By propaganda, we mean those human activities that are carried on with the intension of directing man's behavior towards a given aim or goal by the use of certain symbols or signals.
Advertising is, in this sense, a species of propaganda which has as its aim the acquisition of economic profit through the promotion of a certain commercial product. But in this study, advertising and propaganda in the strict sense has been distinguished, the latter is to be understood as activity whose function is more latent or less intentional than the former.
Etymologically speaking, the word propaganda was already used early in the Christian era. The word became popular, however, in the latter part of 19th century, through its intensive use as a tactical term by Communist militants.
The more ideologies and interests clash, as they increasingly do in modern society, the greater in the need for propaganda as a means of attaining political and cultural ends.
It is to be noted that the influence of propaganda in daily life has increased greatly with the advent of mass communication, such as newspapers, radio, television, movies etc. Furthermore, it should be noted that large enterprises now monopolize the means of mass communication in society. Thus propaganda is utilized by those holding political party as a means of maintaining social order.
