| Title | DIY Citizenship: Critical Making and Social Media |
| Author(s) | Matt Ratto, Megan Boler |
| Publisher | MIT Press |
| Year | 2014 |
| Edition | 1st edition |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 450 pages |
| ISBN | 9780262027559 |
| Genre / Domain | Media Studies, Political Science, Sociology |
| Size | 3.40 MB |
| Extension |
Summary
"DIY Citizenship: Critical Making and Social Media," edited by Matt Ratto and Megan Boler, is a thought-provoking collection that examines the evolving landscape of citizenship in the digital age . Published by MIT Press in 2014, the book explores how do-it-yourself (DIY) practices, empowered by social media and digital technologies, have transformed political participation and civic engagement . Drawing on diverse case studies from the "Twitter revolution" in Egypt to fan activism and community gardening, the volume investigates both the potential and the limitations of these emergent forms of citizenship .
The book is organized around the concept of "critical making," a term coined by Matt Ratto to describe the integration of critical thinking with hands-on material production . Contributors explore a wide range of DIY practices, including activist fan blogging, video production, knitting, and collaborative documentary making . The chapters examine how citizens are moving beyond passive consumption to become active makers, hackers, and interventionists who reshape media and the public sphere . By focusing on "doing" as a form of political expression, the collection highlights the creative and participatory ways in which individuals engage with social and political issues .
For readers, this book offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the significance of DIY culture in contemporary politics and society. It illustrates how citizens are using technology to demystify infrastructures, promote transparency, and challenge dominant narratives . The practical examples, such as the initiatives of the Yes Men and Harry Potter fan activism, provide concrete illustrations of how critical making and social media can be leveraged for political ends . The book also critically assesses the challenges and limitations of these practices, offering a balanced view of their impact on democracy .
The target audience for this book includes researchers, students, and professionals in media studies, political science, sociology, and cultural studies. It is particularly relevant for those interested in the intersection of technology, activism, and participatory culture . The advanced theoretical content and interdisciplinary approach make it suitable for graduate-level courses and academic research . Additionally, activists and practitioners working in digital media and community organizing will find valuable insights into the strategies and theories behind effective civic engagement .
The reputation of "DIY Citizenship" is firmly established through its publication by MIT Press, a leader in academic publishing, and its contribution to the emerging field of critical making . The editors, both respected scholars in their fields, have curated a collection that is both timely and significant, capturing the spirit of a generation that views technology as a tool for democratic participation . This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the changing nature of citizenship and the role of creativity and collaboration in shaping a more engaged and participatory democracy .
Key Features
- Explores the intersection of DIY practices, critical making, and social media in shaping modern citizenship .
- Features contributions from a diverse range of scholars and artists on topics like fan activism and community gardening .
- Examines real-world examples such as the "Twitter revolution" in Egypt and the initiatives of the Yes Men .
- Investigates how citizens use media production, hacking, and tinkering as forms of political intervention .
- Offers a critical perspective on both the empowering potential and the limitations of DIY civic engagement .
- Introduces and elaborates on the concept of "critical making" as a framework for understanding material and social change .
- Discusses the relationship between DIY and media, focusing on efforts to reshape the public sphere .
- Published by MIT Press, ensuring high academic quality and rigorous peer review .
- Interdisciplinary in scope, bridging media studies, political science, sociology, and cultural studies .
- Provides actionable insights for activists and practitioners working at the intersection of technology and democracy .
About Author
Matt Ratto is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto and a prominent scholar in the field of critical making . His research focuses on the social and ethical implications of information technologies, with a particular emphasis on how hands-on, material practices can foster critical engagement with technological infrastructures . He is widely recognized for coining the term "critical making" and has published extensively on the topic .
Megan Boler is a Professor in the Department of Social Justice Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto . Her research explores the intersection of digital media, social movements, and democratic citizenship . She has written extensively on the politics of emotion and the role of digital activism in contemporary society. Together, Ratto and Boler have assembled a collection that reflects their shared commitment to understanding how creative and participatory practices can reshape the political landscape .
Related Books
- Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation — Karen Mossberger et al.
- Critical Making: A Handbook — Matt Ratto and Megan Boler (Eds.)
- Media and Protest Logics in the Digital Era — Francis L. F. Lee and Joseph M. Chan
- Revolutionary Social Media: The Arab Spring and Beyond — M. A. H. Khan
- Citizen Media and Public Spaces — Mona Baker and Bolette B. Blaagaard
- Making and Doing: Activism, Art, and the Politics of Change — A. K. Thompson
- The Digital Divide: The Internet and Social Inequality — James E. Katz
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FAQ
Q : Who are the editors of this book?
R : The book is edited by Matt Ratto and Megan Boler, both professors at the University of Toronto with expertise in media studies and critical making .
Q : What is the main focus of "DIY Citizenship"?
R : The book explores how DIY practices, social media, and critical making have transformed political participation and citizenship in the digital age .
Q : What does the term "critical making" mean in this context?
R : It refers to the integration of critical thinking with hands-on material production, emphasizing the political potential of making and doing .
Q : What examples of DIY activism are discussed?
R : The book covers examples such as the "Twitter revolution" in Egypt, Harry Potter fan activism, and the initiatives of the Yes Men, among others .
Q : Who is the target audience for this book?
R : It is aimed at researchers, students, and professionals in media studies, political science, and sociology, as well as activists and practitioners .
Q : What is the ISBN of the book?
R : The ISBN is 9780262027559.
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