Cultural Diversity in Television Narratives: Homophilization, Appropriation, and Implications for Media Advocacy. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Cristel Antonia; Schau, Hope Jensen; Crockett, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of public policy & marketing. Volume 32:Number 1(2013)Supplement
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: television influence -- consumer culture theory -- cultural diversity -- narrative -- homophily; Marketing -- Periodicals; Marketing -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 658.802
• DOI: 10.1509/jppm.12.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-9156

Abstract

This research explores the role of cultural diversity in the construction of consumer identity, and in particular, how cultural diversity is appropriated through television viewing. Data based on depth interviews and surveys of young adults who created brand collages centered on a television-based character reveal that viewers identify and engage with television narratives through a process of "homophilization"; that is, they actively envision various features of television narratives as similar to themselves and their own lived experiences. The data also show that homophilizing processes are enacted primarily by customizing the narrative, or textual poaching, in which the consumers insert themselves and their experiences into the narrative, and that consumption choices serve as primary mechanisms for poaching. Because media narratives are important in the formation and maintenance of consumer identity, the authors strongly recommend vigilance in the production and dissemination of socially conscious narratives that allow prosocial and realistic characters with whom consumers can actively engage.