Analyzing Political Economy of Harry Potter and its Global Reflections

Journal of Media Studies, Vol 34, No 2 (2019)

Analyzing Political Economy of Harry Potter and its Global Reflections

Tugay Sarıkaya

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the political economy of Harry Potter and its global implications by examining how Harry Potter is used by corporations as a means of exploitation. Key points include the monopolization of the media industry which has led to the commoditizing of characters such as Harry Potter to become global phenomenon. The paper also looks at how Harry Potter as a product of exploitation prepares children to become part of consumption driven societies or cultures? Large media organizations chase cultural products, dominate the entertainment industry and create the market value from these cultural products. Harry Potter is undoubtedly an example of this approach. It is not just a literary work or a film, but an alternative reality. This article will analyze in depth how an initially unpopular literary work, which was rejected by a publishing house, later, is commoditized to turn over an immeasurable profit. This is achieved by establishing an understanding of 'Political Economy', 'Globalization' and how they are relevant in the case of Harry Potter as a product in a consumer driven mediascape.

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