State, power and mobile communication: a case study of China

Article

Lu, Jia and Weber, Ian. 2007. "State, power and mobile communication: a case study of China." New Media and Society. 9 (6), pp. 925-944. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807082640
Article Title

State, power and mobile communication: a case study of China

ERA Journal ID9244
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsLu, Jia (Author) and Weber, Ian (Author)
Journal TitleNew Media and Society
Journal Citation9 (6), pp. 925-944
Number of Pages20
Year2007
Place of PublicationLondon, United Kingdom
ISSN1461-4448
1461-7315
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807082640
Abstract

China's telecommunications and information industry has seen unprecedented growth since the turn of the century, with the mobile telephony sector driving significant expansion. This article examines the Chinese government's strategy for managing the complexities of socio-economic changes created by the widespread adoption of mobile telephony.The study found that the government's adoption of subtler forms of power establishes a relational contract with Chinese telecommunications and information industry partners and citizenry as a foundation for implementing the strategy of controlled commodification. This contract acts to modify and clarify operational boundaries within private and public spheres in an attempt to manage often competing economic, social and political objectives.

KeywordsChina; commodification; control; mobile telecommunications; telephony
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020440701. Communications and media policy
460608. Mobile computing
441004. Social change
Public Notes

Copyright © 2007 SAGE Publications. Published version deposited in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

Byline AffiliationsTexas A&M University, United States
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