From media to mediations: unexpected readings

Abstract

This essay critically reviews Jesús Martín-Barbero's 1987 book, “De los medios a las mediaciones”, and its influence on Latin American cultural studies after its first decade of publication. Highlighting the work's seminal contributions, it also underscores its participation in the emergence of dialogues and interdisciplinary studies on mass and popular culture. The essay acknowledges Martín-Barbero's distinctive intellectual practices, which set him apart from other traditions in communication studies: his ability to redefine—or localize—a rebellious, yet fruitful relationship with European critical theory, the potential in the reappropriation of ideas, and the mindful transformation of his oeuvre attuned to audience reception and engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• communication
• popular
• media
• Martín-Barbero
• mediation
• education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).