Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Bimber offers a thesis that is finely tuned and evidence that is fascinating in its in-depth examination of the use of new technology by groups. Information and American Democracy is an important book, one that should be read by every student of political communication as well as by those only more casually interested in the political implications of new technology." Political Science Quarterly"Information and American Democracy has the virtues of careful scholarship, impressive consstruction of argument, and a close eye to the detail of political affairs...its referencing and methodology are exemplary." American Journal of Sociology"Bimber judiciously argues that changes in core technology have organizational and behavioral consequences. Avoiding technological determinism, he makes a convincing case.... Highly recommended." Choice
Synopsis
This book provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Internet in American democracy. The author places the contemporary information revolution in historical context. This is the only book published so far about the Internet and politics to combine historical analysis, case studies of political events, and survey analysis.
Synopsis
Provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Internet in American democracy. The author places the contemporary information revolution in historical context, arguing that past developments in American history have important lessons for understanding how the Internet is now affecting politics. He examines cases of citizens and organizations using the Internet to advocate in politics, and he is especially interested in the question of whether new technology is making Americans any more engaged in their system of government.
Table of Contents
1. Information and political change; 2. Information revolutions in American political development; 3. The fourth information revolution and post-bureaucratic pluralism; 4. Political organizations in the fourth information revolution; 5. Political individuals in the fourth information revolution; 6. Information, equality, and integration in the public sphere.