1: Introduction 2: Historical Context: Empire, Racism and Public Relations 3: Constructing PR Practice: Legitimacy, Jurisdiction and the Erasure of Social Inequity 4: Constructing Competence: Client, Capital and Embodiment 5: Strategies of Resistance: Intersectional Identities as a Source of Critique 6: Successful Marginality: Managing Occupational Identity 7: Occupational Power, Diversity and Public Relations
Biography
Lee Edwards is Associate Professor at the School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds, UK
'In this fascinating study, Edwards ventures far and wide, drawing on a sophisticated array of social and cultural theorists to critically dissect the PR profession. She thus pushes PR scholarship far beyond its comfort zone and into exciting and challenging new directions.' - Aeron Davis, Professor, Goldsmiths University of London, UK
'Lee Edwards makes a mark as a major sociologist of public relations with this stimulating and challenging book on diversity (or the lack of it) in the profession. Skilfully integrating theory and practice, she offers an incisive analysis of race, racism, and identity politics in a field where such issues are usually hidden away in the margins.' - Debashish Munshi, Professor, The University of Waikato, New Zealand
'Dr Edwards' book makes a series of important contributions and provides a cultural and institutional history of the development of public relations as an emblematic profession for our times. It engages in a sophisticated and personal way with leading gender, critical race and diversity theories, locating these debates in the contemporary reorganization of professional occupations, and of the political economy more broadly. And all of this is delivered through a clear and very compelling narrative.' - Daniel Muzio, Professor, Newcastle University, UK
