Celebrity Culture

Abstract

Although the idea of a celebrity has been around for a long time, its mutation into an important cultural force is a relatively recent development. In recent decades the meaning of a celebrity has altered and is now often applied to those who are famous for being famous. The ascendancy of the celebrity has been fuelled by society's uneasy relationship with the question of authority. Often celebrity provides an alternative source of validation. The tendency to outsource authority to the celebrity represents an attempt to bypass the problem of legitimacy by politicians and other figures.

In for a penny, in for a pound? Exploring mutual endorsement effects between celebrity CEOs and corporate brands

“…A more integrated understanding of celebrities implies the distinction between an ascribed status based on bloodline or family relationships, an achieved celebrity status that originates from talent or accomplishments and the attributed celebrity (Rojek, 2012). The latter seems most in line with the contemporary type of celebrity, manufactured and made famous by media publicity alone (Furedi, 2010;Kerrigan et al, 2011;Lindridge and Eagar, 2015;Milner, 2010;Rojek, 2014;Turner, 2004).…”

“…The fraying of the categorical terminology mirrors both the loss of accurate distinctions between human roles in post-modernism and the economic law that the demand for and manufacturing of new celebrities lead to new celebrity categories beyond movie stars, singers, entertainers or sports stars (Fillis, 2015;Furedi, 2010;Kerrigan et al, 2011;Lunardo et al, 2015;Moulard et al, 2015). Celebrity CEOs constitute an additional celebrity category that gains increasing attention in media and substantially impacts on business and society.…”

Rescuing African bodies: celebrities, consumerism and neoliberal humanitarianism

“…Of the growing multidisciplinary literature on the rise of celebrity culture in late modern societies, two sets are of importance here: that which focuses on the celebrity as commodified individuality or 'personality brand' and his/her wider involvement in political culture (Goldman 1987;Graeber 2001;Marshall 2006;Bauman 2007;Jorgensen and Bang 2007;Zizek 2008;Furedi 2010;Marsh, 't Hart and Tindall 2010); and that on the relationship between celebrity advocacy and the growth of 'ethical'/'development' consumption (Cottle and Nolan 2007;Richey and Ponte 2008;Goodman 2008;West 2008;Harrison 2010;Biccum 2011;Ponte and Richey 2011).…”

“…Much of the recent literature draws attention to the burgeoning scale of celebrity involvement in wider social life and the consequent blurring of the boundaries between politics and popular culture (Furedi 2010;Marsh, 't Hart and Tindall 2010). Celebrities are said to have democratic currency because of their audience appeal, embodying the personification of Max Weber's 'charismatic individual' -as an alternative source of authority within society.…”

“…Since the mid 1980s, celebrity advocacy has become more widespread; through its association with the technological developments in the social media, it is helping to reshape public engagement with politics in Western societies (Meyer 1995;Bang 2005;Furedi 2010;Marsh, 't Hart and Tindall 2010). The literature on social movements concerned with international development points to the growing use of celebrity advocacy in anti-poverty campaigns (Cottle and Nolan 2007;Goodman 2008;Richey and Ponte 2008;West 2008;Harrison 2010;Huliaras and Tzifakis 2010;Biccum 2011;Ponte and Richey 2011).…”