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White Racialists, computers, and the Internet: A macro, meso, and microlevel analysis
Abstract
This dissertation provides a multilevel analysis of the White Racialist Movement and their use of computers and the Internet. A multilevel analysis directs attention to the macrolevel, mesolevel, and microlevel structures which influence the White Racialist Movement, their use of computers, and its effectiveness at achieving movement goals. The first level examined, the macrolevel, reveals the political opportunity structures encountered by Racialists. These macrolevel structures both facilitate and constrain the mobilization efforts of Racialists. It is argued that because of the constraints faced by Racialists they have turned to computers and the Internet in order to communicate and disseminate information. The second level examined, the mesolevel, concerns the help using the Internet that Racialist organizations have had from existing organizations, and the communication networks produced by Internet usage. It is argued that the actions of pre-existing organizations have guaranteed Racialists access to the Internet, which has facilitated the creation of new networks which have helped Racialists achieve a variety of movement goals. The final level of analysis, the microlevel, examines why and how the ways in which Racialists are framing issues, events and their collective identities are being influenced by their use of the Internet. It is argued that Racialists are engaging in frame alignment strategies in order to make their messages resonate better with their new Internet audience. Lastly, the overall effects of computer use on the Racialist Movement, in terms of increasing participation and recruitment, are discussed and analyzed in regards to the interplay of the three structural levels.
Subject Area
Social structure|Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology|Mass media|Political science
Recommended Citation
Schroer, Todd Joseph, "White Racialists, computers, and the Internet: A macro, meso, and microlevel analysis" (1998). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9912694.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9912694