This book addresses the convergence of sociology, communication and rhetoric, with particular reference to the contemporary expressive and social patterns of mass communication. Using rhetoric as a meta-conceptual apparatus for the sociology of communication, this book offers an original and comprehensive critique of historical social theory alongside 20th century communication researchers. The author demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between the rhetorical structures of the media-sphere and the new narrative formats in which cultural representation merges into social and civil observation. This book will be of interest to academics and students studying sociology, communication and cultural studies.