Includes bibliographical references (p. 297-320) and index.

Advertising, its supporters, and its critics -- Are goods bad? Living in a consumer culture -- The Chinese Wall: advertising and mass media -- Checks and balances: government and self-regulation of advertising -- Beyond subliminal: the pervasiveness of persuasion -- Advertising choices: influences of stereotypes and taste stereotypes in advertising -- Cats and dogs on Venus and Mars: gender and advertising -- The melting pot? advertising portrayals of Asians, African Americans, and Hispanics -- Older and better? elders and advertising -- Getting older younger: children and advertising -- The vice squad: advertising controversial products -- Two of a kind? tobacco and alcohol advertising -- Doctor's orders: advertising prescription drugs -- We the people: political advertising -- Really good goods? socially responsible advertising -- The bleeding edge: online advertising -- Advertising: agencies, values, and the commons' dilemma.