@inproceedings{b59ec9600ed94c5185668562149b7dd5,
title = "Digitally Disengaged: Government Resistance to Civic Participation",
abstract = "This paper examines digital engagement through local e-government. Drawing from a local government case study, it suggests that limitations to online civic involvement are often the result of insufficient government reception of, and responses to, citizens{\textquoteright} views. Interviews with local representatives illustrate inadequate digital education and broad reluctance towards civic inclusion in political processes. Nevertheless, the local government established a consultation website to facilitate increased citizen discussion and participation in decision-making. Examination of this website reveals intermittent and generic government responses, with little feedback on how civic views inform the actions undertaken. Citizens{\textquoteright} posts demonstrate disenchantment due to scarce government involvement and identify that the website may be a tokenistic attempt to placate the community. In addition to providing frameworks for online participation, e-government engagement requires governments to consider civic views, contribute to debate, and enable citizen input to impact decision-making.",
keywords = "digital engagement, local e-government, citizen participation",
author = "Julie FREEMAN",
year = "2013",
language = "English",
volume = "3",
series = "Internet Research Conference Papers",
publisher = "Association of Internet Researchers",
pages = "14--17",
editor = "S Fragoso and A Hernman and A Bruns and K O'Riordan and J Williams",
booktitle = "Selected Papers of Internet Research 14.0",
note = "Internet Research 14.0 - Resistance and Appropriation ; Conference date: 23-10-2013 Through 26-10-2013",
}