Mass Media and Social Change: Can We Use Television to Fight Poverty?

Eliana La Ferrara

Journal of the European Economic Association, 2016, vol. 14, issue 4, 791-827

Abstract: This paper explores the potential use of entertainment media programs for achieving development goals. I propose a simple framework for interpreting media effects that hinges on three channels: (i) information provision, (ii) role modeling and preference change, and (iii) time use. I then review the existing evidence on how exposure to commercial television and radio affects outcomes such as fertility preferences, gender norms, education, migration, and social capital. I complement these individual country studies with cross-country evidence from Africa and with a more in-depth analysis for Nigeria, using the Demographic Health Surveys. I then consider the potential educational role of entertainment media, starting with a discussion of the psychological underpinnings and then reviewing recent rigorous evaluations of edutainment programs. I conclude by highlighting open questions and avenues for future research.

JEL-codes: O12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (67)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:oup:jeurec:v:14:y:2016:i:4:p:791-827.

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