Social Construction of Breast Cancer in Mass Media and Its Influence on Public Understanding and Citizen Decision-Making.

摘要

The purpose of this study has been and continues to be an assessment of the ways in which mass media play a significant role in constructing the public's understanding of breast cancer as a social problem, a disease, and personal illness experience. This fourth annual & final report primarily summarizes work conducted as a result of a one-year extension of remaining grant funds. This portion of the study focuses on a case study of a viewing season of the situation comedy, Murphy Brown, during which the lead character was portrayed as being diagnosed and treated with breast cancer, while coping with demands of daily living including work, friendships, and parenting. This case is an exemplar of the simultaneous attempts to use entertainment television for the pro-social objective of raising awareness and extending understanding about this disease, as well as appropriating the dramatic aspects of this same life- threatening disease for entertainment purposes. Of special interest is the use of comedy to communicate serious information and, often poignant, issues.