About the book
The first book to consider the rapid rise of makeover shows from the perspectives of their viewers
Watch this show, buy this product, you can be a whole new you!
Makeover television shows repeatedly promise self-renewal and the opportunity for reinvention, but what do we know about the people who watch them? As it turns out, surprisingly little.
The Makeover is the first book to consider the rapid rise of makeover shows from the perspectives of their viewers. Katherine Sender argues that this genre of reality television continues a long history of self-improvement, shaped through contemporary media, technological, and economic contexts. Most people think that reality television viewers are ideological dupes and obliging consumers. Sender, however, finds that they have a much more nuanced and reflexive approach to the shows they watch. They are critical of the instruction, the consumer plugs, and the manipulative editing in the shows. At the same time, they buy into the shows’ imperative to construct a reflexive self: an inner self that can be seen as if from the outside, and must be explored and expressed to others. The Makeover intervenes in debates about both reality television and audience research, offering the concept of the reflexive self to move these debates forward.
Editions of The Makeover
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814740699
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814740705
Read an Excerpt
The first book to consider the rapid rise of makeover shows from the perspectives of their viewers
Watch this show, buy this product, you can be a whole new you!
Makeover television shows repeatedly promise self-renewal and the opportunity for reinvention, but what do we know about the people who watch them? As it turns out, surprisingly little.
The Makeover is the first book to consider the rapid rise of makeover shows from the perspectives of their viewers. Katherine Sender argues that this genre of reality television continues a long history of self-improvement, shaped through contemporary media, technological, and economic contexts. Most people think that reality television viewers are ideological dupes and obliging consumers. Sender, however, finds that they have a much more nuanced and reflexive approach to the shows they watch. They are critical of the instruction, the consumer plugs, and the manipulative editing in the shows. At the same time, they buy into the shows’ imperative to construct a reflexive self: an inner self that can be seen as if from the outside, and must be explored and expressed to others. The Makeover intervenes in debates about both reality television and audience research, offering the concept of the reflexive self to move these debates forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Makeover about?
The first book to consider the rapid rise of makeover shows from the perspectives of their viewers
Watch this show, buy this product, you can be a whole new you!
Makeover television shows repeatedly promise self-renewal and the opportunity for reinvention, but what do we know about the people who watch them? As it turns out, surprisingly little.
The Makeover is the first book to consider the rapid rise of makeover shows from the perspectives of their viewers. Katherine Sender argues that this genre of reality television continues a long history of self-improvement, shaped through contemporary media, technological, and economic contexts. Most people think that reality television viewers are ideological dupes and obliging consumers. Sender, however, finds that they have a much more nuanced and reflexive approach to the shows they watch. They are critical of the instruction, the consumer plugs, and the manipulative editing in the shows. At the same time, they buy into the shows’ imperative to construct a reflexive self: an inner self that can be seen as if from the outside, and must be explored and expressed to others. The Makeover intervenes in debates about both reality television and audience research, offering the concept of the reflexive self to move these debates forward.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Makeover?
Law > Laws of specific jurisdictions and specific areas of law > Entertainment and media law
Where can I read a sample of The Makeover?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814740699
How long is The Makeover and how many pages does it have?
The Makeover has 259 page(s)
Is The Makeover part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Critical Cultural Communication
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Makeover?
Katherine Sender
Who is the Publisher of the book The Makeover?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Makeover is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814740699) and paperback(ISBN 9780814740705)
Where can I buy The Makeover online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Makeover from below
Where can I buy The Makeover?