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The Cyber-Ethnographic (Re)Construction of Two Feminist Online Communities

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  • katie j. ward

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that cyber-ethnography is the most appropriate tool in reaching an understanding of the online community. I argue that cyber-ethnography's reflexive qualities allow the characteristics of the online community to emerge. I demonstrate, through the cyber-ethnographic exploration of two feminist online communities, how the participants define their own perimeters. I suggest that the online community has two main characteristics. Through its convergence with the physical, the online community's existence is apparent, though not unconditionally virtual. Indeed, the online community does not compete with, or supersede physical space, rather a hybrid space emerges that is neither absolutely physical or virtual. Secondly, I depict the participants as having a transitory, unconditional relationship with the online community. That is; they will only participate for short periods when they require use of the resources that the online community has to offer.

Suggested Citation

  • katie j. ward, 1999. "The Cyber-Ethnographic (Re)Construction of Two Feminist Online Communities," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 4(1), pages 51-64, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:4:y:1999:i:1:p:51-64
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.222
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    Cited by:

    1. Mike Crang, 2000. "Public Space, Urban Space and Electronic Space: Would the Real City Please Stand Up?," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 37(2), pages 301-317, February.

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