Designed as a core textbook for courses in Advertising and Society, this text develops an integrated perspective that gives students a framework for understanding past, present, and future issues in advertising communications. Chapter contents cover the entire range of social, political, cultural, regulatory, and economic issues that surround advertising and its role in modern society. The many social issues addressed include advertising and gender stereotyping, advertising to vulnerable audiences, and the distribution of wealth in consumer society.

The book intertwines the development of the consumer culture with its coverage of the historical, political, regulatory, and ethical issues of advertising. It includes clear, comprehensive tables that chronicle historical developments and key legal cases. The text is readable for undergraduates but provides enough depth to serve as a graduate-level text. Including extensive notes and a bibliography, it can be adopted independently, or alongside its companion volume, Readings in Advertising, Society, and Consumer Culture.

“Hovland and Wolburg take a fair and objective perspective in addressing the role of advertising in society, today's ethical issues, and how advertising relates to the overall consumer culture. This well-written and well-organized book contains critical knowledge and insights that all advertising students should contemplate as they prepare for careers in this field.” — David W. Schumann, University of Tennessee

“Hovland and Wolburg offer a critical perspective on how advertising and consumer culture are interdependent. Borrowing from diverse rich theoretical perspectives, they discuss how advertising, consumer culture, and history intersect with ethical and legal issues in the global environment. Together, the authors craft a unique book that is thought provoking and forward thinking. It is critical reading for advertising, media and marketing scholars, and anybody who seeks to understand the role of advertising in today's society.” — Marla Royne, University of Memphis

“A well-written, well-rounded look at commercial speech. This valuable book takes up history, international concerns, ethical issues, communication theory, and law and regulation. The book should be a standard, if for nothing else than for its stylish demystification of the arcana of advertising regulation.” — Dwight L. Teeter, Jr., University of Tennessee