Introduction

The introduction of the book starts by reflecting on what constitutes a dichotomy and its usefulness in theory building, but also how empirical reality is often messier than clear delimitations between two sides of a dichotomy. As such, the book is embracing ambivalence and ambiguity, as well as a dialectical approach towards dichotomies. The book is also positioned in the critical tradition of media and communication theory and research which aims to change and transform the existing economic and political order rather than serving the status quo. Each dichotomy discussed in this book is subsequently briefly introduced after which two essentially contested concepts central to the book are unpacked, namely power and democracy. The introduction ends by highlighting the importance of historical context as well an historical approach to the dichotomies that shaped the field of media and communication.