Introduction to the Sociology of Communication

How do communication systems shape—and become shaped by—society? In this groundbreaking textbook, Dr. Abdelhalim Rekab examines the complex relationship between communication processes and social structures, offering students and scholars a comprehensive framework for understanding communication as a fundamentally social phenomenon.

Drawing from classical and contemporary sociological traditions, this book illuminates how communication operates across multiple dimensions of social life—from interpersonal interactions to global information flows, from institutional discourses to digital networks. Dr. Rekab skillfully navigates theoretical landscapes spanning symbolic interactionism, critical theory, media ecology, systems theory, and network analysis to reveal communication's central role in constructing social reality.

The text addresses pressing contemporary issues including:

• How digital platforms reconfigure power dynamics in communication


• The algorithmic mediation of public discourse


• Digital inequality and its social implications


• The transformation of identity formation in networked environments


• Communication's role in cultural reproduction and social change

With rigorous theoretical analysis and empirical investigation, Dr. Rekab provides readers with essential tools for critically analyzing communication processes in an increasingly complex media landscape. Each chapter builds upon foundational concepts while introducing students to cutting-edge research on communication's evolving role in society.

Perfect for undergraduate and graduate courses in sociology, communication studies, media studies, and digital culture, this text balances accessible explanations with sophisticated theoretical engagement. Dr. Rekab's pedagogical approach combines quantitative research methods with qualitative insights, preparing students to conduct their own investigations into contemporary communication phenomena.

In an era where communication technologies continue to transform social relationships, institutional structures, and cultural practices, this book offers indispensable perspectives for understanding these profound changes and their implications for social cohesion, cultural diversity, and democratic participation.