New Narcissus in the Age of Reality Television - Losing Sight of Ourselves

This book explores the encouragement of the false self in our society and the ways in which this is portrayed in reality television. Through studies of well-known shows, the author examines the effects of narcissism and consumerism, shedding light on the ways in which people are pushed to focus on their biographies and self-promotion and so development of a sense of dissatisfaction and dis-ease. Applying Freud's concept of narcissism and tracing it through the work of key social theorists including Durkheim, Freud, Goffman, Riesman, Baudrillard and Giddens, this book constitutes an insightful analysis of the modern ideology of greatness that drives individuals to project an artificial self.

List of contents

List of Figures Series Editor’s Preface 1. Introducing the New Narcissus 2. Learning the Importance of Falseness: Toddlers and Tiaras 3. Consequence of Believing the Lie: Hoarders 4. The Ease of Falseness: Sister Wives 5. Avoiding Reality: Catfish: The TV Show 6. Experts of Falseness: Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew 7. The New Narcissus Goes Global: The Real Housewives 8. Entranced by the New Narcissus’ Reflection Gazing Back at Us Bibliography Index

About the author

Megan Collins is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Prairie View A&M University, USA.

Product details

• Authors: Megan Collins
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 14.12.2017
• EAN: 9781138206977
• ISBN: 978-1-138-20697-7
• No. of pages: 180
• Series: Classical and Contemporary Social Theory
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Popular Culture, SOCIAL SCIENCE / General, Social Theory, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, TV & society, Media studies: TV and society