The Effect of the Introduction of Online Participation Processes in the Green Party Germany

Abstract

This thesis explores the anticipated and actual effects that the introduction of online participation processes in the Green Party Germany had on the participation of party members. It is informed by Actor-Network Theory. It investigates whether and how introduction of online participation tools changed members’ participation behaviour. In line with the digital divide literature, I analyse the role of four potential effects (mobilisation, reinforcement, replacement, and non-use) as a result of tool introductions, and integrate these effects in the ‘differentiated online participation effectsmodel’.
I also explore to which degree participation preferences play a role in the adoption or nonadoption of specific online tools. The Green Party Germany has a strong commitment to grass-roots participation and gender equality, which is one of the drivers behind the party’s push for online participation tools. This makes this party an ideal case to investigate the adoption of online participation processes by party members, and the role of (in-)equality in these online processes. If the adoption of online participation widens participation and includes Green Party members that have previously not participated, then it may act as a role model for other parties. If online participation failed to widen participation, or resulted in inequalities, this would give indications for potential barriers that may be amplified in contexts which are less favourable to participation.
I apply a mixed methods approach, encompassing observations, interviews and focus groups, as well as a set of surveys, including a panel survey. I identify participation preferences, issues, and strategies applied to achieve the party‘s goals based on qualitative data. Quantitative evidence is used to measure the scale and effects of the new tools on participation by different groups. The panel survey specifically is used to compare participation rates over time, and identify mobilisation or reinforcement effects. In combination, the data allows conclusions about how online participation tools are expected to change the participation of party members, and what effect they actually have.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Gefion Thuermer: orcid.org/0000-0001-7345-0000

ORCID for Silke Roth: orcid.org/0000-0002-8760-0505

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