Description
In this new book, Mark Wheeler offers the first in-depth analysis of the history, nature and global reach of celebrity politics today.
Celebrity politicians and politicized celebrities have had a profound impact upon the practice of politics and the way in which it is now communicated. New forms of political participation have emerged as a result and the political classes have increasingly absorbed the values of celebrity into their own PR strategies. Celebrity activists, endorsers, humanitarians and diplomats also play a part in reconfiguring politics for a more fragmented and image-conscious public arena.
In academic circles, celebrity may be viewed as a 'manufactured product'; one fabricated by media exposure so that celebrity activists are no more than 'bards of the powerful.' Mark Wheeler, however, provides a more nuanced critique contending that both celebrity politicians and politicized stars should be defined by their 'affective capacity' to operate within the public sphere. This timely book will be a valuable resource for students of media and communication studies and political science as well as general readers keen to understand the nature and reach of contemporary celebrity culture.
About the Author
Mark Wheeler is Professor of Political Communications at London Metropolitan University
Reviews
"A remarkable contribution to the study of political activity and communication. As a starting point for students and instructors of political communication, campaign strategists, and social movements, this book is an excellent introduction."
LSE Review of Books
"A fascinating insight into the parallel developments of the celebritisation of politicians and the politicisation of celebrities."
Times Higher Education
"This important book raises challenging questions about the nature of our contemporary politics; how and why has 'celebrity' become such an essential feature in Western democracy? Mark Wheeler provides a scholarly and accessible account of the historical interconnection and development of this phenomenon and what this means for us as citizens. A 'must-read' for anyone concerned with the character and health of contemporary democracy."
Heather Savigny, Bournemouth University
"A much-needed account of how various types of celebrity actually function within the political realm. Rich with examples and historically and conceptually informed, this excellent book allows us to make real progress in thinking and talking about the dynamic between fame and politics."
Michael Higgins, University of Strathclyde
"In the past decades, celebrities have increasingly become involved in contemporary politics, and politicians like Barack Obama have become global celebrities. Mark Wheeler engages with the growing literature on celebrity politics, providing a systematic overview on the many dimensions of the current merger of celebrity and politics that illuminates one of the salient political phenomena of our times."
Douglas Kellner, UCLA
Book Information
ISBN 9780745652498
Author Mark Wheeler
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 345g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 18mm
Celebrity politicians and politicized celebrities have had a profound impact upon the practice of politics and the way in which it is now communicated. New forms of political participation have emerged as a result and the political classes have increasingly absorbed the values of celebrity into their own PR strategies. Celebrity activists, endorsers, humanitarians and diplomats also play a part in reconfiguring politics for a more fragmented and image-conscious public arena.
In academic circles, celebrity may be viewed as a 'manufactured product'; one fabricated by media exposure so that celebrity activists are no more than 'bards of the powerful.' Mark Wheeler, however, provides a more nuanced critique contending that both celebrity politicians and politicized stars should be defined by their 'affective capacity' to operate within the public sphere. This timely book will be a valuable resource for students of media and communication studies and political science as well as general readers keen to understand the nature and reach of contemporary celebrity culture.
About the Author
Mark Wheeler is Professor of Political Communications at London Metropolitan University
Reviews
"A remarkable contribution to the study of political activity and communication. As a starting point for students and instructors of political communication, campaign strategists, and social movements, this book is an excellent introduction."
LSE Review of Books
"A fascinating insight into the parallel developments of the celebritisation of politicians and the politicisation of celebrities."
Times Higher Education
"This important book raises challenging questions about the nature of our contemporary politics; how and why has 'celebrity' become such an essential feature in Western democracy? Mark Wheeler provides a scholarly and accessible account of the historical interconnection and development of this phenomenon and what this means for us as citizens. A 'must-read' for anyone concerned with the character and health of contemporary democracy."
Heather Savigny, Bournemouth University
"A much-needed account of how various types of celebrity actually function within the political realm. Rich with examples and historically and conceptually informed, this excellent book allows us to make real progress in thinking and talking about the dynamic between fame and politics."
Michael Higgins, University of Strathclyde
"In the past decades, celebrities have increasingly become involved in contemporary politics, and politicians like Barack Obama have become global celebrities. Mark Wheeler engages with the growing literature on celebrity politics, providing a systematic overview on the many dimensions of the current merger of celebrity and politics that illuminates one of the salient political phenomena of our times."
Douglas Kellner, UCLA
Book Information
ISBN 9780745652498
Author Mark Wheeler
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 345g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 18mm
