Digital Activism and the Global Middle Class: Generation Hashtag

This book explores the causes of digital activism in developing countries, arguing that it is driven by social change rather than technological advancement alone. It examines large-scale social media protests during political controversies in Indonesia and introduces the concepts of 'digital self-expression' and 'middle-class struggles' to capture the value-stratified nature of political engagement in the online sphere.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the underlying factors driving a surge of digital activism across developing countries. It argues that social change, rather than technological advancement alone, is the primary catalyst behind this movement. The book begins by exploring the modernization of 'middle-income countries and its impact on political culture. It then examines the phenomenon of large-scale social media protests during political controversies in Indonesia, departing from the narrow perspective of a 'digital divide' that suggests Internet access alone leads to Internet activism. Instead, the book introduces the concepts of 'digital self-expression' and 'middle-class struggles' to capture the value-stratified nature of political engagement in the online sphere.

To unravel the determinants of digital activism, the book employs a diverse range of methodologies. It incorporates 'big-data text analyses' to analyze the vast volumes of online content and discourse related to political activism. This analysis provides valuable insights into the themes, narratives, and patterns of digital activism. Additionally, representative opinion research is conducted to gauge public attitudes and perceptions toward digital activism. Socioeconomic household analyses are also conducted to understand the socioeconomic backgrounds and motivations of digital activists.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, the book paints a rich picture of the factors that shape digital activism in developing countries. It appeals to students and scholars in Political Science, Sociology, International Development, and Communication, as well as to anyone interested in understanding political activism, social transformation, and new media from a global perspective. The book offers valuable insights into the ways in which technology and social dynamics intersect, shaping the dynamics of political engagement and activism in the contemporary world.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032037233