Activists in the Data Stream: The Practices of Daily Grassroots Politics in Southern Europe

Activists in the Data Stream explores the relationship between activism, media, and technology in the quiet times of politics, using rich empirical data from Greece, Spain, and Italy to understand how activists navigate the impact of digitalization and datafication on grassroots politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The book offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of activism,media and technology,highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise in the digital age.
Activism, media, and technology play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape during quiet times when protests are not taking place. In the book "Activists in the Data Stream," the author introduces the concept of the "data stream" to explore the intricate ways in which activists interact with various types of data and navigate the impact of digitalization and datafication on grassroots politics.

Through rich, empirical data from Greece, Spain, and Italy, the book offers a nuanced contribution to our understanding of activists' daily political engagement in an ever-changing media and political landscape. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of activism, media, and technology, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise in the digital age.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of data in activism. Activists use data to track their progress, measure their impact, and communicate their messages to a wider audience. However, the use of data also raises important ethical questions, such as the ownership of data, the transparency of data collection, and the potential for data to be used for surveillance or manipulation.

The book also explores the impact of digitalization and datafication on grassroots politics. Digitalization has made it easier for activists to connect with each other, share information, and mobilize support. However, it has also led to the commodification of activism, with some activists being paid to promote certain products or services. Datafication has also made it easier for governments and corporations to track and monitor activists, which can have a chilling effect on their ability to engage in political activity.

The book also provides a range of case studies that illustrate the different ways in which activists are using data in their work. For example, the book discusses the use of data by environmental activists to track the impact of climate change on their communities, the use of data by social justice activists to track police brutality, and the use of data by political parties to target their campaigns.

In conclusion, "Activists in the Data Stream" is a valuable book that provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of activism, media, and technology. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise in the digital age and offers a range of case studies that illustrate the different ways in which activists are using data in their work. By understanding the role of data in activism, we can work towards a more democratic and inclusive political system that is responsive to the needs of all citizens.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529239638