Abstract

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Title:: Rethinking the Five Research Paradigms of Contentious Mobilization inCyberspace：An Analysis Based on the Data from CNKI 2004—2015

Keywords:: contentious mobilization in cyberspace; structural paradigm; emotional paradigm; discourseparadigm; instrumental paradigm; governance paradigm

Abstract:: Mobilizations in cyberspace calling for contentious actions and issues related to this have becomea hot and fruitful topic in recent years. An analysis of the CNKI（ China National Knowledge Infrastructure）search results in the time frame from 2004 to 2015 shows that the studies on the contentious mobilizations incyberspace can in general be divided into five paradigms：i.e. structure，emotion，discourse，instrument，andgovernance. A general consensus is taking shape among researchers on such issues as the generative structure，preconditions，logical process，tactics and strategy，and governance of contentious mobilizations. However，the current studies are still inadequate in such theoretical aspects including the perspective on the problems atissue，research frame，approach and paradigm. It is very advisable for the research on contentious mobilizationin cyberspace to overcome the tension between different research paradigms so as to find an effective approachto the governance of such mobilizations through interactive reflections and dialogues.