Rumors

Uses, Interpretation and Necessity

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Rumors by Jean-Noel Kapferer, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jean-Noel Kapferer ISBN: 9781351492485
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jean-Noel Kapferer
ISBN: 9781351492485
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Rumors may be the oldest medium of mass communication of information or ideas. Even before there were newspapers, radio, or television, rumors communicated by word-of-mouth made and shattered reputations, and set off riots and wars. Yet contrary to predictions, rumors continue to thrive, in spite of and parallel to mass media.

What accounts for the puzzling persistence and continuing significance of this little-studied social phenomenon? Jean-No;el Kapferer examines the theory and practice of rumors, focusing on specific areas such as entertainment, criminal behavior, business and finance, and politics. He describes the kinds of conditions that give birth to rumors, why we believe them, and the hidden messages they convey. Kapferer points out that rumors frequently serve useful social purposes and present rich examples. He speculates about how rumors can be controlled, changed, and prevented.

Drawing upon contributions of disciplines ranging from psychology to history, and integrating the insights of Europeans with the latest work of American researchers, this is the most comprehensive examination of rumors, gossip, and urban legends yet published. Translated into nine languages, this edition was updated with advances in theory and research since the book's original French publication in 1987. Its brisk, accessible style makes the book of interest to psychologists, economists, political scientists, sociologists, and folklore analysts, as well as the general reader who is curious about the origins of this fascinating social phenomenon.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Rumors may be the oldest medium of mass communication of information or ideas. Even before there were newspapers, radio, or television, rumors communicated by word-of-mouth made and shattered reputations, and set off riots and wars. Yet contrary to predictions, rumors continue to thrive, in spite of and parallel to mass media.

What accounts for the puzzling persistence and continuing significance of this little-studied social phenomenon? Jean-No;el Kapferer examines the theory and practice of rumors, focusing on specific areas such as entertainment, criminal behavior, business and finance, and politics. He describes the kinds of conditions that give birth to rumors, why we believe them, and the hidden messages they convey. Kapferer points out that rumors frequently serve useful social purposes and present rich examples. He speculates about how rumors can be controlled, changed, and prevented.

Drawing upon contributions of disciplines ranging from psychology to history, and integrating the insights of Europeans with the latest work of American researchers, this is the most comprehensive examination of rumors, gossip, and urban legends yet published. Translated into nine languages, this edition was updated with advances in theory and research since the book's original French publication in 1987. Its brisk, accessible style makes the book of interest to psychologists, economists, political scientists, sociologists, and folklore analysts, as well as the general reader who is curious about the origins of this fascinating social phenomenon.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Routledge Handbook of Systemic Functional Linguistics by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Family History and Local History in England by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Critiquing Free Speech by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Rethinking the African Diaspora by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Objects of Hope by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Developing Children's Behaviour in the Classroom by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Learning and Memory by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Skills and Cities by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book The Diversion of Land by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Palestinian Refugees by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Social Citizenship in the Shadow of Competition by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Population Dilemmas in the Middle East by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Language Contact and Language Conflict in Arabic by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book Riddle Of The Riddle by Jean-Noel Kapferer
Cover of the book The Cultural Politics of Jazz Collectives by Jean-Noel Kapferer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy