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Identity and the Definition of the Situation in a Mass-Mediated Context

Bibliographic Data

ID2481385
AuthorsDavid L Altheide (0000-0002-4463-1619, Arizona State University, corresponding author)
Year2000
Volume23
Issue1
Pages1-27
Publication date2000-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSymbolic Interaction (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0195-6086 • E-ISSN: 1533-8665
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1525/si.2000.23.1.1
OpenAlexW2165218068
LanguageEN
Citations received60
References cited46

The importance of identity and the definition of the situation for symbolic interactionist theory and research are discussed. These two concepts have been separated in much research since the 1970s, with identity being used in a variety of ways. This separation is partly attributed to paradigm shifts in social science, as well as to popular culture treatments of identity. Popular culture's emphasis on 'collective' and 'personal' identities is processed through entertainment formats that emphasize emotional and vicarious involvement, drama and action. Materials illustrate the presence of a mass-mediated generalized other, media communities, and the significance this has for realist and postrealist ethnography. Suggestions are offered for a reintegration of identity and the definition of the situation in ethnographic work.Sexvideos are total fantasy. But people have to realize that even in a fantasy you have to deal with reality.-Pornographic film actress

Advertising · Aesthetics · Art · Drama · Entertainment · Epistemology · Ethnography · Fantasy · Literature · Mass media · Psychoanalysis · Sociology · The Symbolic · Visual arts · Anthropology · Computer Science · History · Media Studies and Communication · Psychology · Rhetoric and Communication Studies · Social and Cultural Dynamics · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works60
Citations per year2,4
Citation span2001 - 2026 (26)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 57
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