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Created: March 29, 2003
Latest Update: March 29, 2003
jeannecurran@habermas.org
takata@uwp.edu

Merton and Lazarsfeld: Mass Communication

Site Copyright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata and Individual Authors, March 2003.
"Fair use" encouraged.

This essay is based on Biography of Robert K. Merton. Emphasis on Mass communication.

Discussion Questions

Does this effect fit descriptions of what is happening currently with the war with Iraq?

Consider whether the conditions that Merton and Lazarfeld seem to describe exist presently:

"Merton and Lazarsfeld have also theorized about the effects of the mass media and propaganda. They have pointed out that mass communication tends to reinforce social norms and the economic status quo. The mass media may function as surveillance, informing individuals with news. Surveillance informs society about the economy, stock market, traffic, weather, and the public. This function of the media may also cause panic and unrest as the news warns of threatening situations and dangers. As individuals develop indifference or disregard for media because of an abundance of information, Merton and Lazarsfeld note this effect is a "narcotizing" dysfunction."

Do Merton and Lazarsfeld use the term "surveillance" here in the sense that Foucault uses it?

Consider whether Merton and Lazarsfeld consider "surveillance" functional or dysfunctional. Do they consider that it may be a necessary factor of society? And under what circumstances do they describe "surveillance" as being a problem?