The Internet and Rural Development in China: The Socio-Structural Paradigm (Europische Hochschulschriften / European University Studies / Publications Universitaires Européennes)

ISBN: 3039115847

Author: Jinqiu Zhao

Condition: New

Product Description Despite its low penetration in Chinas vast rural areas, the Internet is generally perceived as a new engine for rural empowerment. By examining five Internet application initiatives in rural China, this book offers a unique view of the diffusion and usage of the Internet and its implications on the lives of rural people. Placed in the political, socioeconomic and infrastructure contexts of rural China, the book departs from the classical diffusion of innovations model and extends the existing knowledge on the adoption and usage of the Internet by rural people. In addition to testing the applicability of the diffusion of innovations theory to the diffusion of Information and Communications Technologies in the rural areas today, the study provides rich empirical evidence regarding the actual impact of the Internet on the livelihood of rural people. It also shows some innovative uses of the Internet in rural development. About the Author The Author: Jinqiu Zhao is Associate Professor at the International Communications College at Communication University of China in Beijing. She received her Ph.D. from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. She has been a university teacher and researcher since 1993 and has published articles on various aspects of Asian communication studies in journals and books around the world. Her research interests include issues in Chinese communication, comparative media systems, social impact of new communication technologies, and media effects.