Description |
xv, 303 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
Series |
Communication, society, and politics |
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Communication, society, and politics.
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Contents |
Pt. I. Introductory Framework -- 1. The digital divide -- 2. Understanding the digital divide: wired world -- 3. Social inequalities -- Pt. II. The Virtual Political System -- 4. Theories of digital democracy -- 5. e-governance -- 6. Online parliaments -- 7. Virtual parties -- 8. Civic society -- Pt. III. The Democratic Divide -- 9. Cyberculture -- 10. Digital engagement -- 11. Conclusions: promoting digital democracy |
Summary |
"Digital Divide examines access and use of the Internet in 179 nations world-wide. A global divide is evident between industrialized and developing societies. A social divide is apparent between rich and poor within each nation. Within the online community, evidence for a democratic divide is emerging between those who do and do not use Internet resources to engage and participate in public life. Part I outlines the theoretical debate between cyber-optimists who see the Internet as the great leveler. Part II examines the virtual political system and the way that representative institutions have responded to new opportunities on the Internet. Part III analyzes how the public has responded to these opportunities in Europe and the United States and develops the civic engagement model to explain patterns of participation via the Internet."--BOOK JACKET |
Notes |
Includes index |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 273-285) and index |
Subject |
Internet -- Social aspects.
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Information society.
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Globalization -- Social aspects.
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Internet -- Economic aspects.
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Internet -- Political aspects.
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Political participation -- Computer network resources.
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Digital divide.
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LC no. |
2001025407 |
ISBN |
0521002230 pb |
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0521807514 hb |
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