Sociology, Media and Journalism in China – serie

Redefining the concept of new media in China, this cutting edge book discusses the impact of social media on Chinese public life. Examining its  characteristics and the different forms of social media, such as internet and mobile phone media, weibo, wechat and micro-blogging, it considers how public opinion evolves through this media and its interaction with traditional media. It also offers a unique analysis of growing new media platforms, the challenges of government management and the impact of micro-blogging on journalism in China. Through quantitative research, the book also analyses new media user behavior in China, offering a ‘butterfly effect’ model for public opinion based on new media. It also shows the relevance of the sociological Matthew Effect and addresses issues such as the ‘20 million’ phenomenon and the Internet Water army (Wangluo shuijun), groups of Internet ghost-writers paid to post specific content online. Finally, it scrutinizes the the issue of mass disturbance in new media in China, researching evolutionary mechanisms and academic models of mass disturbance through a series of case studies.Written by a leader in the field of Chinese new media, this book constitutes a valuable read to scholars of media and communications studies, and all those interested by the development and the increasing impact of new media in China.

Redefining the concept of new media in China, this cutting edge book discusses the impact of social media on Chinese public life. Examining its  characteristics and the different forms of social media, such as internet and mobile phone media, weibo, wechat and micro-blogging, it considers how public opinion evolves through this media and its interaction with traditional media. It also offers a unique analysis of growing new media platforms, the challenges of government management and the impact of micro-blogging on journalism in China. Through quantitative research, the book also analyses new media user behavior in China, offering a ‘butterfly effect’ model for public opinion based on new media. It also shows the relevance of the sociological Matthew Effect and addresses issues such as the ‘20 million’ phenomenon and the Internet Water army (Wangluo shuijun), groups of Internet ghost-writers paid to post specific content online. Finally, it scrutinizes the the issue of mass disturbance in new media in China, researching evolutionary mechanisms and academic models of mass disturbance through a series of case studies.Written by a leader in the field of Chinese new media, this book constitutes a valuable read to scholars of media and communications studies, and all those interested by the development and the increasing impact of new media in China.

This book provides a cutting edge analysis of the rapid rise of China’s network society and reviews recent key developments within China’s internet economy, notably the concepts of “Lucky Money” and E-Business on Wechat, and Crowd-Funding Platforms. It focuses on drawing out the sociological impact of these economic developments, examining among others the bearing of the decentralization of e-business in rural areas. It offers a vital sociological perspective on the development of China’s internet society and how it affects social and professional relations, examining the shift from the traditional Red Envelope Giving Culture to Digital Red Envelope, micro charity 2.0 as well as the Rise of Internet Crowd Funding in China. Combining an up to date analysis of the current state of play of China’s internet society with expertise in the rapidly changing landscape of China’s social media, this book provides key insights into how technology impacts on the communication and movement of population in China, in both social and economic spheres.

This book provides a cutting edge analysis of the rapid rise of China’s network society and reviews recent key developments within China’s internet economy, notably the concepts of “Lucky Money” and E-Business on Wechat, and Crowd-Funding Platforms. It focuses on drawing out the sociological impact of these economic developments, examining among others the bearing of the decentralization of e-business in rural areas. It offers a vital sociological perspective on the development of China’s internet society and how it affects social and professional relations, examining the shift from the traditional Red Envelope Giving Culture to Digital Red Envelope, micro charity 2.0 as well as the Rise of Internet Crowd Funding in China. Combining an up to date analysis of the current state of play of China’s internet society with expertise in the rapidly changing landscape of China’s social media, this book provides key insights into how technology impacts on the communication and movement of population in China, in both social and economic spheres.

Referencing more than 40 ancient works as well as 70 books and papers of contemporary scholars, this book opens up the civilization, society, culture and communication of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang period represented unprecedented prosperity in the ancient world. Combining the socio-cultural background of ancient China and academic achievements of modern times, this book presents an intensive and in-depth exploration of the communicative organisations, methods and ideas of that period. The book looks at Tang methods of communication, from the postal delivery system and first newspaper to military communication in times of peace and war. It also considers questions of literature, poetry and public space as well as the impact of folk culture and communication on the Tang Dynasty, and examines the intellectual atmosphere of the time and debates surrounding freedom of speech and thought, positioning the Tang Dynasty as the end of the classic world and the beginning of modern society.

Referencing more than 40 ancient works as well as 70 books and papers of contemporary scholars, this book opens up the civilization, society, culture and communication of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang period represented unprecedented prosperity in the ancient world. Combining the socio-cultural background of ancient China and academic achievements of modern times, this book presents an intensive and in-depth exploration of the communicative organisations, methods and ideas of that period. The book looks at Tang methods of communication, from the postal delivery system and first newspaper to military communication in times of peace and war. It also considers questions of literature, poetry and public space as well as the impact of folk culture and communication on the Tang Dynasty, and examines the intellectual atmosphere of the time and debates surrounding freedom of speech and thought, positioning the Tang Dynasty as the end of the classic world and the beginning of modern society.

This book sheds new light on the study of journalism and communication, considering why and how journalism is studied in the 21st century. It notably offers both an international and interdisciplinary comparison of journalism and communication, examining the history of Chinese and Western journalism and addressing the similarities and differences between them. Focusing on the education and training of future journalists, it also provides a comprehensive study of news coverage systems in China and in Western countries, including the processing of news sources, attitudes towards news communication and comparative communication scholarship. Researchers of media and journalism will find this a key read, as well as practicing journalists and students of journalism.

This book sheds new light on the study of journalism and communication, considering why and how journalism is studied in the 21st century. It notably offers both an international and interdisciplinary comparison of journalism and communication, examining the history of Chinese and Western journalism and addressing the similarities and differences between them. Focusing on the education and training of future journalists, it also provides a comprehensive study of news coverage systems in China and in Western countries, including the processing of news sources, attitudes towards news communication and comparative communication scholarship. Researchers of media and journalism will find this a key read, as well as practicing journalists and students of journalism.

At a time of significant transformations in Chinese society, this book addresses the key issue of social welfare and the reform of the welfare system in 21st century China. Considering both the theory and policy making across a variety of welfare issues which directly impact on the country’s economic development, it examines the development of civil society, changes in social stratification and in social class structure. It notably considers the key questions of welfare in both urban and rural settings, for different population groups such as children, the elderly and the disabled, addressing topical issues of housing, education, public health, poverty and the restructuring of related welfare policy system to tackle China’s key issues. It also considers the impact of migrant workers in China and their social integration, including within the welfare system. Providing a unique insight into how economic globalization and financial crisis affects Chinese social welfare policies, thisbook is a key read for scholars worldwide interested in social transformation in Chinese society at a time of significant social and economic transition.