Digital Democracy and the Digital Public Sphere: Media, Communication and Society Volume Six

This book provides contemporary students with a clear understanding of digital socialism, applying critical theory and Marxist humanism to analyze digital media and politics. Suitable for various courses and modules.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is written with modern students in mind, simplifying complex theoretical and empirical concepts to make them accessible and understandable. Drawing upon critical theory and Marxist humanism, Christian Fuchs' book offers a comprehensive foundation, exploration, and perspectives on digital socialism. It effectively showcases the application of critical and Marxist theory to analyze contemporary digital media and politics, making it suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses and modules in media and communication studies, cultural studies, sociology, and political science.

Introduction:
The digital age has brought about significant transformations in society, reshaping the way we communicate, work, and engage with each other. With the rise of social media, the internet, and other digital technologies, our lives have become increasingly interconnected, and the political landscape has been profoundly affected. In this context, the concept of digital socialism has gained increasing attention, as it seeks to address the challenges and opportunities posed by the digital revolution.

What is Digital Sociology?:
Digital sociology is a subfield of sociology that focuses on the study of digital technologies and their impact on society. It examines how digital technologies are shaping our social relationships, cultural practices, and political institutions. Digital sociology also explores the ways in which individuals and groups use digital technologies to challenge power structures, promote social justice, and create new forms of social organization.

The Foundations of Digital Sociology:
The foundations of digital sociology are rooted in critical theory and Marxist humanism. Critical theory, as pioneered by thinkers such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, emphasizes the importance of social structure and power in shaping our lives. Marxist humanism, on the other hand, emphasizes the humanistic aspects of society, such as individual freedom, social equality, and social responsibility.

Aspects of Digital Sociology:
Digital sociology encompasses a wide range of aspects, including:
1. Digital Media and Politics: The study of how digital media such as social media, the internet, and mobile devices are shaping political discourse, public opinion, and political participation.
2. Digital Labor: The study of how digital technologies are transforming the nature of work and the workplace, including the rise of the gig economy, the automation of jobs, and the impact on workers' rights and benefits.
3. Digital Culture: The study of how digital technologies are shaping cultural practices, such as the consumption of media, the creation of art, and the development of new forms of social interaction.
4. Digital Surveillance: The study of how digital technologies are used to monitor and control individuals and groups, including the use of data analytics, surveillance cameras, and facial recognition technology.
5. Digital Identities: The study of how digital technologies are shaping our identities, including the development of online personas, the use of social media, and the impact on self-esteem and social relationships.

Perspectives on Digital Sociology:
Digital sociology offers a range of perspectives on the digital revolution, including:
1. Critical Digital Sociology: This perspective emphasizes the power dynamics and inequalities that are inherent in the digital age, and seeks to challenge the dominant narratives and practices that perpetuate these inequalities.
2. Marxist Digital Sociology: This perspective emphasizes the role of labor and class in the digital age, and seeks to develop a socialist analysis of digital technologies and their impact on society.
3. Post-Digital Sociology: This perspective emphasizes the role of digital technologies in creating new forms of social organization and social movements.
4. Digital Ethnography: This perspective emphasizes the importance of qualitative research methods in studying digital technologies and their impact on society, such as interviews, participant observation, and ethnographic analysis.
5. Digital Humanism: This perspective emphasizes the humanistic aspects of the digital age, such as individual freedom, social equality, and social responsibility.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to digital sociology, exploring the foundations, aspects, and perspectives of this rapidly evolving field. It is an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex relationship between digital technologies and society, and the potential for creating a more just and equitable digital future. As the digital revolution continues to shape our world, it is clear that digital sociology will play an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032362724