Communication and the Civil Sphere: Discovering Civil Society in Journalism Studies. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forde, Kathy Roberts
• Other Names: Forde Kathy Roberts guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of communication inquiry. Volume 39:Number 2(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 113
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: civil sphere -- journalism -- justice -- civil society -- James Baldwin; Communication -- Periodicals; Questioning -- Periodicals; Inquiry (Theory of knowledge) -- Periodicals; Communication -- Périodiques; Recherche (Théorie de la connaissance) -- Périodiques; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0196859915580849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8599

Abstract

This essay is an effort to introduce civil sphere theory to fellow communication scholars. The primary goals are to sketch its central concepts and theoretical framework, demonstrate its explanatory power through reference to a historical case study, and suggest how it can open new pathways of inquiry and understanding for those who study communication and social movements. The secondary goal is to persuade scholars of journalism studies that the concepts civil society and civil sphere have much to offer those who take seriously journalism's role in democratic struggle.