The Historiography of North American Public Relations

This chapter explores the historiography of public relations with a focus on what is missing. It begins with a look at the dominant trends in American public relations historiography and argues that the focus on a progressive interpretation and corporate public relations has stunted our understanding of the field’s history. Missing from the historiography are the contributions of men who are not considered “great” because they do not fit within the traditional public relations story; public relations practices in activist organizations, nonprofits, government, and the military; and most importantly, American and Canadian women. Taking a broad approach to the history of public relations will allow for the voices of these others to be heard and contribute to our understanding of the field.