Millennials and Gen Z in Popular Culture examines media and popular culture forms for and about millennials and Generation Z. In this collection, contributors articulate the need for studying cultural artifacts connected to members of these generations. Rather than focusing on each generation specifically, this collection takes an intergenerational approach, placing them in dialogue with one another by focusing on media and experiences that are geared toward both of them. Scholars of media studies, popular culture, and sociology will find this book of particular interest.
Ahmet Atay is associate professor of communication at the College of Wooster. Mary Z. Ashlock is associate professor of communication at the University of Louisville.
Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: So you want to be a #GIRLBOSS?": Millennial Femininity and Entrepreneurial Selfhood in Girlboss and The Girlfriend Experience Martin Fradley Chapter 2: Retrace Your Steps, Escape Your Past: Identity, Belonging, Nostalgia, and Representation in Ready Player One Raymond Blanton Chapter 3: Transmediality, Agency, and Authenticity - Engaging the Fans of the Austentatious Book Club Ruxandra Trandafoiu and Carol Poole Chapter 4: Food and the Next Generation: Putting Their Money Where their Mouth is Claire Stewart Chapter 5: Revising The Slasher Genre for Millennials and Generation Z: Remaking Black Christmas Ahmet Atay Chapter 6: The Influencer Generations: Millennials and Generation Z are Ditching the Typical 9-5 to Post on Social Media Sydney Dotson and Mary Z. Ashlock Chapter 7: Millennials and Democratic Socialism: Media Representations and Political Memory Under Neoliberalism Christopher C. Barnes Chapter 8: Boldly Shattering Millennial Stereotypes Victoria McDermont and Nike Jacob Chapter 9: Studying Media Portrayals of Millennials and Generation Z Through the Lens of Critical Communication Pedagogy Anthony Esposito and Ronald K. Raymond About the Contributors
Millennials and Gen Z in Media and Popular Culture disrupts common narratives about these generations to present complex portrayals that touch on every aspect of their lives. Chapters delve in depth about Millennials' and Gen Z's diverse experiences and desires regarding (inter)generational relationships, technology usage, political and social movements, entertainment, work experiences, and nostalgia and remixed media, with critique about agency, authenticity, empowerment, and instagramability. Populated with examples of affluence and everyday consumption, Millennials and Gen Z in Media and Popular Culture offers insights into the influencers of the future. -- Patrice M. Buzzanell, University of South Florida
