Seeking Channels for Engagement: Media Use and Political Communication by China's Rising Middle Class

摘要

The new middle class represents China's economic and social elite.rnThis study examines the political communication patterns of thisrnnew social class. Surveys were drawn from Beijing. The majorityrnof respondents had a strong interest in political issues, but politicalrncommunication with the state was limited. Respondents turned to thernmass media as a channel to participate in political discussions. Mostrnexpressed their inclination to discuss political issues and express theirrnviews in online forums and the blogosphere, engaging in digital formsrnrather than traditional forms of political participation. The role of thernmass media in political communication among the middle classrnis conflicting. On one hand, the mass media has weakened thernmiddle class' interest in political communication but increased itsrnappetite for popular and consumer culture; on the other hand,rnthe media has strengthened its role as a mediator between the state and citizens in terms of public and political affairs.