Chapter 9: Activism & Mobilisation - The Public Sphere Flashcards
What is Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action?
A theory where consensus is achieved through open, reasoned debate in a public sphere.
What was the role of 1700’s salons, and what critiques exist?
They were spaces for elite debate but criticized for limited inclusivity and primarily serving the interests of idle aristocracy.
How does Habermas define the public sphere
As a space for dialogue about social issues, enabling political activism and meaningful consensus.
What is participatory democracy, and how does it relate to the public sphere?
Participatory democracy relies on public opinion to inform policy, legitimizing democratic governance through a well-informed public sphere.
What are cybersalons according to Jodi Dean?
Online spaces where identity and presence are fluid, challenging traditional views on inclusion.
How does digital society blur the private vs. public boundary?
People feel politically empowered online, but digital engagement doesn’t equate to genuine democratization.
Who are “monitorial citizens”?
Digital citizens constantly informed and ready to mobilize, often reacting to “epidemics of cooperation.”
What is connective action in modern activism?
A form of activism where individuals express shared sentiments uniquely, often in coordinated “swarms.”
