ABSTRACT
Critical theory has a long history, but a relatively recent intersection with public relations. This ground-breaking collection engages with commonalities and differences in the traditions, whilst encouraging plural perspectives in the contemporary public relations field.
Compiled by a high-profile and widely respected team of academics and bringing together other key scholars from this field and beyond, this unique international collection marks a major stage in the evolution of critical public relations. It will increasingly influence how critical theory informs public relations and communication.
The collection takes stock of the emergence of critical public relations alongside diverse theoretical traditions, critiques and actions, methodologies and future implications. This makes it an essential reference for public relations researchers, educators and students around a world that is becoming more critical in the face of growing inequality and environmental challenges. The volume is also of interest to scholars in advertising, branding, communication, consumer studies, cultural studies, marketing, media studies, political communication and sociology.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |116 pages
Origins and overviews
chapter |13 pages
History as a source of critique
chapter |16 pages
Sanitising or reforming PR?
part |94 pages
Orientations and reorientations
chapter |11 pages
Changes to be encouraged
chapter |11 pages
A reflexive perspective on public relations
chapter |13 pages
Double deconstruction
chapter |14 pages
“Critical public relations is so critical!”
part |107 pages
Perspectives from different locations
chapter |13 pages
A post-socialist/communist perspective
chapter |9 pages
Public relations and humanitarian communication
chapter |13 pages
Science, medicine, and the body
chapter |13 pages
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?
chapter |15 pages
The need for critical thinking in country promotion
chapter |14 pages
Critical race and public relations
part |96 pages
Ways forward