Internet and Civil Society in China: A Critical Review

摘要

Recently, research on the impact of Internet on civil society in China prevails. This paper critically reviews present research and point out its weaknesses: first, in view of NGOs' contribution in 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, many scholars overestimate the development of civil society in China; second, under technological determinism and western centrism, they simply interpret the Internet's role; third, as to the issue of web public sphere, thinness of theoretical resources, neglect of group polarization, and simplistic understanding of rationality in online discussion are major problems. At last, to further research, this paper proposes some approaches: multiply theoretical foundations, shift research perspectives and explore new research methods.