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Beth Tracton

Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

2001

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department / School

Rural Sociology

First Advisor

Robert D. Mendelsohn

Abstract

Television has revolutionized how popular culture is disseminated and has given it a monumental place in society. This position results from both its high levels of consumption and its relevance in daily social interaction, such as in conversations. To investigate the role of television in everyday life, primarily its influence over conversations, a self-administered survey was designed and implemented in 1998. The survey contained questions to elicit responses regarding the extent to which the respondents talk about their television viewing, and the extent to which their viewing and conversations vary by age and gender. The intent of this project is to fill a gap in the literature by addressing the under-researched " adult" population and to apply traditional sociological approaches to the ritualistic behavior of talking about television.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Television viewers -- United States
Television programs -- Social aspects
Popular culture

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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