Networks And The Construction Of China's Multiple Public Spheres

Based on the concept of public sphere analyzed by Habermas and Nancy Fraser, this research has first established standards of methodology:reflective, critical and public. Chapter II focuses on the networks of social ecology to realize the public sphere in China. According to China's unique political, economic and social environments, the author presents the concept of "Public spheres with Chinese characteristics" and explains its social, political premise, legal protection and types of structure. Therefore, in the theoretical and practical aspects of ensuring the "public spheres with Chinese characteristics, " legitimacy of the concept, can be made in the Chinese context, as the question of relationship between the network and the public sphere does. The chapter concludes that limitation of the functions of traditional media in the public sphere provides a space for network. Chapter III discusses technical functions of the network media in the construction of public sphere. This chapter, the current media environment as a background, discusses the characteristics of network media, the government's measures to promote the development of network infrastructure, and government's acts as the main participator that shape the development trend of the network. Chapter IV centers the points on the relationship between subject and practice of networks and the construction of China's multiple public spheres. First analyzing of Chinese Internet users' attitude and behavior towards networks, the author considerers they use networks as sources of information and main sites for expression. Chapter V first reflects on Giddens's "duality of structure" theory in the network media environment, including interaction of Signification, the balance of power and the reconstruction of societal norms, values.in addition the author focuses on "SARS" and "Sun Zhigang"incident as a case study, analyses from the micro how the networks function as an alternative sources of information and promote a breakthrough from the "weak public spheres" to the "strong public spheres". Dynamic of Networks that promote the formation of multiple public spheres with Chinese characteristics is the emergence, strengthening and expansion of the "public sentiment". In today's media ecology, the Internet and traditional media together advance the bright future of" Public spheres with Chinese characteristics ".