Local Democracy Shaping E-Democracy

fonte:http://www.springerlink.com/content/6pc1b6dc09x15db9/fulltext.pdf
acesso:http://www.springerlink.com/content/6pc1b6dc09x15db9/

Abstract. This paper offers a fresh perspective to study the role and
implications of information and communications technologies (ICT) in
processes of local democracy. It moves away from earlier perspectives that
have given privilege to information flows, information technology features or
strategies employed by human actors in their accounts. The paper proposes a
theoretical framework, derived from Giddens theory of Structuration. This
framework suggests that the material technology cannot be understood in
isolation from the way it is appropriated in social processes. It brings to the
forefront technologically enabled social practices rather than the technology
itself or the actions of human actors and thus avoids technological or social
determinism. It highlights the importance of the interplay of the context, social
structures and agency factors in the technologically enabled social practices.
When applied to processes of local democracy, it brings forward a number of
important insights for policy makers and ICT designers.