Showing papers by "Manuel Castells published in 2007"

Communication, Power and Counter-power in the Network Society

Abstract: This article presents a set of grounded hypotheses on the relationship between communication and power relationships in the technological context that characterizes the network society. Based on a selected body of communication literature, and of a number of case studies and examples, it argues that the media have become the social space where power is decided. It shows the direct link between politics, media politics, the politics of scandal, and the crisis of political legitimacy in a global perspective. It also puts forward the notion that the development of interactive, horizontal networks of communication has induced the rise of a new form of communication, mass self-communication, over the Internet and wireless communication networks. Under these conditions, insurgent politics and social movements are able to intervene more decisively in the new communication space. However, corporate media and mainstream politics have also invested in this new communication space. As a result of these processes, mass media and horizontal communication networks are converging. The net outcome of this evolution is a historical shift of the public sphere from the institutional realm to the new communication space.

Mobile communication and society : a global perspective : a project of the Annenberg Research Network on international communication

Abstract: How wireless technology is redefining the relationship of communication, technology, and society around the world-in everyday work and life, in youth culture, in politics, and in the developing world. Wireless networks are the fastest growing communications technology in history. Are mobile phones expressions of identity, fashionable gadgets, tools for life-or all of the above? Mobile Communication and Society looks at how the possibility of multimodal communication from anywhere to anywhere at any time affects everyday life at home, at work, and at school, and raises broader concerns about politics and culture both global and local. Drawing on data gathered from around the world, the authors explore who has access to wireless technology, and why, and analyze the patterns of social differentiation seen in unequal access.They explore the social effects of wireless communication-what it means for family life, for example, when everyone is constantly in touch, or for the idea of an office when workers can work anywhere. Is the technological ability to multitask further compressing time in our already hurried existence? The authors consider the rise of a mobile youth culture based on peer-to-peer networks, with its own language of texting, and its own values. They examine the phenomenon of flash mobs, and the possible political implications. And they look at the relationship between communication and development and the possibility that developing countries could "leapfrog" directly to wireless and satellite technology. This sweeping book-moving easily in its analysis from the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America and Africa-answers the key questions about our transformation into a mobile network society.

La Transición a la Sociedad Red

Abstract: Se trata de una investigacion acerca de los efectos producidos por las tecnologias de la informacion y la comunicacion en la sociedad catalana actual. Los autores, investigadores miembros del Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) de la Universidad Oberta de Catalunya, nos ofrecen el resultado de seis anos de trabajo de investigacion academica, que son el aporte ofrecido por el Proyecto Internet Catalina (PIC) desarrollado, segun lo expresan Castells y Tubella, sin las presiones politicas del gobierno catalan, en el entendido de que fue el Govern de la Generalitat de Catalunya el organo financiador que lo asumio como “proyecto de pais”.

The Mobile Civil Society: Social Movements, Political Power, and Communication Networks

Abstract: This chapter contains sections titled: Rethinking Development and Communication: Issues at Stake, Alternative Uses and Alternative Modes of Access, The View from the Ground: Case Studies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Summary

Communication and Mobility in Everyday Life

Abstract: This chapter contains sections titled: Mobility at Work, Micro-coordinated Families, The Transformation of Sociability, Personal Safety and Security, Public Services via Mobile Devices, Consumption, Entertainment, and Fashion in Wireless Communication, Mobile Communication in a Troubled World: Technology, Risk, and Fears, Summary

The Social Differentiation of Wireless Communication Users: Age, Gender, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status

Abstract: This chapter contains sections titled: Is There an Age Divide?, The Gendering of Mobile Communication: Myth and Reality, Haves and Have-Nots in the Mobile Universe: The Class Dimension of Wireless Communication, Wireless Communication for Lower-Income Groups: When Class Shapes Technology, Community out of Necessity: Collective Sharing, Ethnicity, Culture, and the Uses of Mobile Communication, Summary