Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study explores the dynamics of social concern over reality shows. Couched in the theory of the influence of presumed influence, it is argued that the degree of concern over the effects of media mediates between beliefs in media power and people's responses to such beliefs. Survey data show that whereas there are large differences in the beliefs about effects on self and others, reports of self concern and perceived concern by others is similar. It was also found that concern is related to age, to beliefs in the social effects of reality shows, and to being critical of reality shows. Results are discussed in terms of their significance to understanding the process through which beliefs about media motivate social action.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Amidst a deluge of celebrities parading their personal lives before the cameras to raise their own celebrity status or resurrect dwindling careers, a host of stars have elected to invite cameras into their homes in order to put forth reality sitcoms centered on the presentation of strong family morals and simple parenting lessons. Reality sitcoms have become the next generation of domestic sitcoms by adhering to generic sitcom conventions and consciously using family values as its foundation. Of these reality sitcoms, two iconic musicians, Joseph “Reverend” Simmons of Run-DMC and Gene Simmons from KISS, have used their respective cable shows as a pulpit to preach – often through humor – a return to paterfamilias and the importance of family love and loyalty, even for the most unconventional families. Despite different parenting styles and attitudes, both reality TV dads are the Ward Cleavers of a new generation.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Inextricably linked to the American wedding are specific ideas about taste and style. However, the taste and style associated with the “white wedding” are incongruous with the everyday existence of many couples. Drawing upon Bordieu’s ideas on taste and the habitus and Virgina Postrel’s insights from The Substance of Style on the role of style in the establishment and display of taste, class, and identity, this paper argues that the American wedding requires couples to move beyond their habitus to display the expected level of taste.

Because television provides much essential information about the expectations for a white wedding, this paper focuses on depictions of weddings in three reality television shows: A Wedding Story, For Better or For Worse, and My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé. Although the goals and styles of the shows vary, each show raises similar questions about taste, class, and style in relation to the American wedding.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Lesotho and South Africa have established the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area (MDTFCA) to secure the biodiversity of this montane region, whilst contributing to its development imperatives. This paper explores the principle of “planning for implementation” as it was applied to the MDTFCA context, and thus highlights key lessons for future conservation efforts in the region. The MDTFCA, as with other regional conservation initiatives, is very complex. Its sheer size, population numbers, complex institutional environment and local-scale contextual differences resulted in a planning process that was designed to engage relevant stakeholders at key steps in the process. The premise was that if it was well-designed and implemented, it would facilitate consensus between this diverse set of programme partners. This consultation-based and data-driven planning process produced one product in the form of a long-term strategic framework and detailed programme of action for the next five years. However, despite the attempts to portray consensus, there are still a number of conflicting realities in the region. Most significantly, the conservation reality of “biodiversity under significant pressure” is in conflict with the contextual reality of “development imperatives and rapid land use change”. Unless conservation efforts identify ways to bridge these reality “gaps”, biodiversity realities will not become mainstream, and biodiversity targets will not be achieved.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Discussions on the voyeuristic appeal of reality programs treat reality television as a cohesive genre. However, developing a more coherent understanding of the voyeuristic appeal of reality programs requires analyzing features that contribute to their appeal. A survey, used in conjunction with a content analysis, identified four programming attributes that contribute to the voyeuristic appeal of reality programs: use of “fly on the wall perspective”, showing scenes in private settings, showing scenes containing nudity and/or gossip.