The Development of Theoretical Research of Mass Communication Studies and Media Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the development of theoretical research in The Japan Society for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication. Theoretical studies of mass communication in Japan began after World War II. In the course of theoretical interventions into the political and social situation of the time, mass communication theory in Japan relied heavily on mass society theory. This made it possible to articulate media effects theory and journalism theory into mass communication theory. In this articulating process, “the social” and “the political” have played the role of the nodal points. These nodal points connected mass communication theory with not only journalism and media effects studies, but also information society theory and cultural studies.

As media studies have developed, the situation has changed. Media studies has developed under the influence of theoretical fields that are different from traditional mass communication studies. In this paper, we call these theories of media studies as “media theory.” Mass communication theory has been unable to include or articulate with media theory. And media theory in Japan have excluded theories of mass communication studies such as journalism. As a consequence, theories of media and communication studies in Japan are fragmented, and the age of post-theory is about to arrive.

In order to solve this crisis, we need to reevaluate a theoretical significance of “the social” and “the political” as nodal points.