The Civic Web
There has been widespread concern in contemporary Western societies about declining
engagement in civic life; people are less inclined to vote, to join political parties, to
campaign for social causes, or to trust political processes. Young people in particular
are frequently described as alienated or apathetic. Some have looked optimistically to new
media -- and particularly the Internet -- as a means of revitalizing civic life and
democracy. Governments, political parties, charities, NGOs, activists, religious and
ethnic groups, and grassroots organizations have created a range of youth-oriented
websites that encourage widely divergent forms of civic engagement and use varying degrees
of interactivity. But are young people really apathetic and lacking in motivation? Does
the Internet have the power to re-engage those disenchanted with politics and civic life?
Based on a major research project funded by the European Commission, this book attempts
to understand the role of the Internet in promoting young people's participation. Examples
are drawn from Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United
Kingdom -- countries offering contrasting political systems and cultural contexts. The
book also addresses broader questions about the meaning of civic engagement, the nature of
new forms of participation, and their implications for the future of civic life.
208 pages, Hardcover