A history of popular culture

by Raymond F. Betts

"This survey provides a thematic global history of popular culture focusing on the period since the end of the Second World War. Raymond F. Betts considers the rapid diffusion and "hybridization" of popular culture as the result of three conditions of the world since the end of World War Two: instantaneous communications, widespread consumption in a market-based economy and the visualization of reality. Betts considers the dominance of American entertainment media and habits of consumption, assessing adaptation and negative reactions to this influence." "Directed at students and general readers concerned with the dimensions and forms of popular culture, the book provides an engaging introduction to this pervasive and ever-changing subject."--Jacket.