The Political Web: Media, Participation and Alternative Democracy - Softcover

Dahlgren, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1137326379 ISBN 13: 9781137326379

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013

Synopsis

As democracy encounters increasing difficulties, many citizens are turning to the domain of alternative politics, and in so doing, making considerable use of the Web and other new communication technologies. Clearly this is having significant impact, and we see that new modes of political participation and even political cultures are emerging. Yet, we would be foolish to expect some simple 'techno-fix' for democracy; its problems are more complex than that. This volume analyses various factors that shape such Web-facilitated participation, including features of the Web itself as well as broader societal realities. Avoiding simplistic optimism or pessimism, the discussion highlights the tensions and force-fields that impact on participation. The presentation also addresses several key topics in regard to citizens' engagement, such as civic subjectivity, web intellectuals, and cosmopolitanism. While anchored in an extensive literature and wide theoretical vistas, the book is written in a clear and accessible style.

About this title

Review:

"Dahlgren reflects with great clarity and insight upon forms of 'alternative' – or 'extra-parliamentary' – online political action. This is an under-studied theme and this book will contribute to the literature in ways that previous studies of the Internet and political democracy have not." - Stephen Coleman, University of Leeds, UK

Book Description:

This volume addresses the role of the Web in facilitating participation in the domain of alternative politics.

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1137326379
• ISBN 13: 9781137326379
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 201