Mediated Citizenship

This book explores the complexities of citizenship and media's role in shaping it, offering insights into emotional connections to political identity.

Previously published as a special issue of Social Semiotics, Mediated Citizenship expands on traditional views of citizenship and the public sphere. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional connections individuals have to politics. This work invites readers to consider how these affective attachments shape our perceptions and experiences of citizenship in today's world.

The book raises critical questions about contemporary citizenship, such as what it truly means to be a citizen in modern societies and the influence of mass media on this identity. By bringing together groundbreaking research from international scholars renowned for their expertise in media and politics, Mediated Citizenship delves into various practices of mediated citizenship. Chapters address significant events and issues, including the public mourning following the deaths of Pim Fortuyn and Theo van Gogh in the Netherlands, as well as the authenticity of letters addressed to British Conservative politician Boris Johnson.

Furthermore, the authors analyze discourses of nationalism within the English and Scottish press, scrutinize the definitions of the public in Australian broadcasting, and explore the US Medicare debate. The book also evaluates new avenues for mediated citizenship through studies of online activism and participation in both the US and China. Ultimately, Mediated Citizenship demonstrates that a comprehensive understanding of citizenship requires examining the intricate dynamics of power present in mediated discourse.