Local Governance and the Online Networked Public Sphere—A Case Study

Hepburn, Paul

Abstract

What are the prospects for the Web enhancing the local governance process by provid- ing a networked public sphere? This article addresses this question by researching online local civic activity associated with a case study of a UK local government referendum. Drawing upon social network analysis theory, this research first of all applies relational hyperlink analysis to map and struc- turally analyze the hyperlinked network. Second, it draws upon a network ethnography approach to identify and then interview key actors associated with this network. The results suggest a need for pol- icy intervention to counter the distinct homophily effects and “politics as usual” scenario uncovered in the local online network.

Citation

Hepburn, P. (2012). Local Governance and the Online Networked Public Sphere—A Case Study. #Journal not on list, 9(4), 370-387. https://doi.org/10.1080/19331681.2012.700447

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Nov 20, 2012
• Publication Date: Nov 9, 2012
• Deposit Date: Jan 17, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Information Technology & Politics
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 370-387
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19331681.2012.700447