Crowdsourced Politics: The Rise of Online Petitions & Micro-Donations

This book explores the impact of digital communications on contemporary citizen participation, focusing on online petitioning and crowdfunding platforms. It argues that crowdsourced participation has become normalised and institutionalised, with online petitions and micro-donations becoming a focal point. The authors use an original survey, interviews, and analysis of web presence to demonstrate how advocacy organisations use online petitions and analyse the policy issues that mobilise citizens on crowdsourcing platforms. They contrast these mass public concerns with the government's policy agenda to show a disjuncture and lack of responsiveness to this form of citizen expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 143 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of online petitioning and crowdfunding platforms, showcasing the profound impact of digital communications on contemporary citizen participation. Through meticulous research and analysis, the authors argue that crowdsourced participation has seamlessly integrated into the daily routines of citizens and organizations alike. The shift towards digital engagement has given rise to the creation, signing, and sharing of online petitions and micro-donations, highlighting the clear evolution from their offline counterparts.

To support their arguments, the authors employ an original nationally representative survey on acts of political engagement, conducted with Australian citizens. Furthermore, through detailed interviews and an in-depth examination of their web presence, they illustrate how advocacy organizations leverage online petitions as part of their strategic actions. Additionally, the book analyzes the specific policy issues that galvanize citizens on crowdsourcing platforms, drawing from a unique dataset of 17,000 petitions from the popular non-government platform, Change.org. By contrasting these mass public concerns with the policy agenda of the government of the day, the authors reveal a disjuncture and a general lack of responsiveness to this form of citizen expression.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists seeking to understand the evolving landscape of citizen participation in the digital age. It sheds light on the ways in which online platforms have empowered individuals to express their opinions, mobilize support, and bring about change on a global scale. By exploring the intersection of technology, politics, and social movements, the book offers insightful perspectives on the future of democratic engagement and the role of citizens in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

Weight: 341g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811943560
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022