This book investigates the stardom of Lady Gaga within a cultural-sociological framework. Resisting a reductionist perspective of fame as a commodity, Mathieu Deflem offers an empirical examination of the social conditions that informed Lady Gaga's rise to fame. The book delves into topics such as the marketing of Lady Gaga; the legal issues that have dogged her career; the media; her audience; her activism; issues of sex, gender, and sexuality; and Lady Gaga's unique artistry. By training a spotlight on this singular pop icon, Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame invites readers to consider the nature of stardom in an age of celebrity.

Autorentext
Mathieu Deflem is Professor of Sociology at the University of South Carolina, USA. He has published three books and dozens of articles and chapters on the sociology of popular culture and law. Additionally, he has edited more than a dozen books on various topics of law, policing, terrorism, fame, and cinema.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Popular Culture and the Sociology of Fame.- 3. The Life and Times of Lady Gaga.- 4. The Business of Lady Gaga.- 5. The Laws of Lady Gaga.- 6. Gaga Media: From Internet to Radio.- 7. The Audience of Lady Gaga: Beyond the Little Monsters.- 8. Gaga Activism: The New Ethics of Pop Culture.- 9. The Sex of Lady Gaga.- 10. Art Pop: The Styles of Lady Gaga.- 11. Conclusion.- 12. Epilogue: Professor Goes Gaga: Teaching Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame.