Includes bibliographical references (pages 225-270) and index.

Starting points : defining socio-cultural research in public relations -- Public relations as promotion : the production and circulation of meaning --Public relations, discourse and power -- A political economy of public relations -- Deliberative democracy and public relations -- Public relations and the public sphere -- Public relations and globalisation -- Public relations as an occupational field : the professional project -- Race and class in/and public relations -- Feminist public relations : performativity, black feminism, postfeminism -- Ethics, public relations and society -- Conclusion : public relations beyond the organisation.

This book argues that public relations is not merely an organizational tool, but a powerful influence on social and political life. From carefully considered communication by multinational corporations, to government campaigns that manage public opinion, to the self-promotion of celebrities via social media, public relations is central to our individual and collective lives. Understanding Public Relations introduces a socio-cultural approach to public relations as a way of analysing the growing importance of public relations in its social, cultural and political contexts. Encouraging a deeper and more critical understanding of its influence on society, Lee Edwards: • Explores public relations in relation to contemporary debates around promotional culture, discourse, globalisation, democracy and power • Considers how public relations frames vital discussions of race, gender, class and ethics • Brings theory to life with a range of case studies, including YouTube vlogging, the global fair trade movement and the 2016 EU referendum in the UK Both accessible and provocative, this is an invaluable resource for students and researchers exploring public relations theory, critical public relations, strategic communication and promotional culture.

College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Text in English