The book distinguishes the global divide meaning inequalities of Internet access between countries, the social divide between groups within societies, and the democratic divide between those online who do, and do not, use political resources on the Internet. Chapters 2 and 3 then discuss the trends in global access to the internet and the social divisions in the online community, including gaps of gender, class and generation. Part II compares the structure of opportunities for political use of the Internet, in terms of the news environment, political parties and campaigns, civic society and the government. Part III then examines the impact of attention to the Internet for news and political engagement, considers the major explanations of net civic engagement, and evaluates the main policy options for reducing the digital divide. The conclusion draws together the major findings and considers their implications for democracy.
Chapters are in Acrobat format.
If you need to download the free Acrobat reader click here. The Digital Divide 2. Understanding the Digital Divide 3. Wired World 4. Theories of Digital Democracy 6.