Blogging And Globalization: The Blurring Of The Public/private Spheres

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show how the blurring of public and private spheres isrnamong the changes associated with the phenomenon of blogging. In linking this to theories ofrnglobalization shows more clearly how new media transformations have macro as well as micrornsignificance.rnDesign/methodology/approach - An assessment of blogging is undertaken in the context ofrntheories of globalization, with specific focus on issues related to public/private linkages, the aim beingrnto make theory-practice connections to enhance understanding of the wider implications of blogging.rnFindings - The analysis identifies how theories of globalization offer foundational understanding forrninvestigating blogging as a social rather than purely new media development. This relates to thernspatial reconfigurations of social, political, economic and cultural life, which have been characteristicrnof processes of globalization. The ways in which blogging demonstrates the blurring of public andrnprivate spheres is usefully understood within this broader spatial framework.rnResearch limitations/implications - This is a primarily conceptual and theoretical approach withrnsubstantive reference to blogging, which remains at the general level rather than looking in detail atrndifferent kinds of blogs and their implications. Its contribution is therefore located primarily in thernconceptual and theoretical domains.rnPractical implications - This form of analysis foregrounds public/private sphere boundaries inrnrelation to blogging and could contribute to critical thinking about the social implications of bloggingrnfor bloggers and readers alike.rnOriginality/value - Conceptual and theoretical linkages between theories of globalization,rnespecially in relation to spatial issues, blogging and the blurring of public and private.