Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-302) and index.

Advertising, its supporters, and its critics -- Living in a consumer culture -- Advertising and the media : changes and challenges -- How advertising is regulated : government and industry -- Beyond subliminal : the pervasiveness of persuasion -- Advertising choices : influences of stereotypes and taste -- Gender and advertising : how gender shapes meaning -- Advertising and race : examining the melting pot -- Advertising and age, sexual orientation, and ability : marginalized or mainstreamed? -- Children and advertising : emerging consumers, problematic strategies -- Advertising controversial products : bans and beliefs -- Tobacco and alcohol advertising : industries in flux -- Advertising prescription drugs : healthy tactics or risky propositions? -- Political advertising : do "we the people" still matter? -- Socially responsible advertising : does a brand have a conscience? -- Online advertising : the ever-evolving landscape -- Advertising : being ethical advertisers in a challenging age.