Description
Book SynopsisWesterners tend to equate political action with revolution and open criticism, leading to concerns that the less outspoken citizens of nonliberal societies are brainwashed, complicit, or paralyzed by fear. Jing Wang shatters this myth, showing how online activists in China are quietly building powerful coalitions for incremental social change.
Trade ReviewDrawing on firsthand experience and rich data,
The Other Digital China reveals a vast gray zone of nonconfrontational activism for social change. This mundane activism is propelled by social media and practiced by NGOs, entrepreneurs, state actors, programmers, and ordinary citizens. Written in spirited prose, this important book brings provocative new perspectives into the debates on digital politics and society. -- Guobin Yang, University of Pennsylvania
A very important book. Jing Wang’s exploration of how certain kinds of NGOs are using China’s hyperactive media tools to engage in novel forms of social action ‘for good’ is extremely innovative and provides wonderfully rich empirical descriptions of contemporary social life. Everyone who cares about politics and media systems in China should be paying attention to what Wang calls ‘Activism 2.0.’ -- Judith B. Farquhar, University of Chicago
This book offers a unique and timely perspective on social media and civil society in China. The author builds on her own experiences to show how the use of digital technologies has given rise to new forms of civic engagements. Jing Wang provides ample examples of how the post-1980s and post-1990s generations are drawn to the culture of ‘tech4good’ and social media for social good thanks to the affordances of new technologies. -- Marina Svensson, Lund University
Offers a way forward for those in China—and perhaps elsewhere—who want to make progress within a totalitarian state…Truly thought provoking in a way that few books are. -- Kentaro Toyama * China Review International *
[Those] wishing to understand and participate in future social change in China will find this book an invaluable roadmap. -- Jacob Pagano * Critical Inquiry *
A timely documentation of the rapidly changing world of Chinese civic life aided by the social media. -- Dan Chen * Journal of Chinese Political Science *
