Hi Andrew and Kathrin, I read with great interest your post as I am studying a topic very close to yours and that could be include within this large theme of Political activism and the internet. My research project aims at exploring if there is a widespread use of ICT (especially internet) in marginalised groups outside mainstream society. The main focus of my research is Gypsies and Travellers in Europe. Notwithstanding the high levels of non-literacy of this population group, a quick internet search reveals the existence of many websites belonging to Traveller groups especially associations. (e.g. Pavee Point, Roma support group, friends and families of travellers). This research project, I am developing at Oxford University as a part of my post-doctoral research, aims at examining the social transformations in these groups caused by ICTs. The question is if and how ICTs have affected Travellers’ and Gypsies’ lives and their participation in society The starting point will be Travellers’ associations; the main question concerns how these technologies are being used by organisations. The internet has been used “politically” in various ways to lobby for change, to inform the press and to get through to mainstream society. One example is the campaign to change the laws on sites and parking, which saw the use of e-petitions among other instruments. This project seeks to analyse this campaign for law reform considering it from the angle of social justice for minorities, as well. Are ICTs facilitating contacts with the Travellers they represent and what is the content of these exchanges? The issue of legitimacy of representation will also be analysed along with the global contacts with the wider Rom community and the political battles at a wider level. I ask what tools have associations created to support their community and how do they work? The web sites offer practical advice to individuals so they can understand planning laws and get authorisations. There are also projects for the use of ICTs in education. How widespread are e-learning tools in this community which values home education? And have they helped improve the literacy levels and the “inclusion” of the population? Is there legislation helping to maintain cultural pluralism by supporting distance learning for this nomadic group? I would be glad of get in contact with you to share our experiences and discuss possible ways of approach to this subject. -----Original Message----- From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org [mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Kathrin Kissau Sent: lundi 22 octobre 2007 14:18 To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org Subject: Re: [Air-L] Immigrant internet use refs request Hi Andrew, I read your post with great interest, as we are studiing almost the same topic within our research project "Political Potential of the Internet. The virtual diaspora of Immigrants from Russia and Turkey in Germany" at the Institute for Political Science; University of Muenster/Germany see: http://ppi.uni-muenster.de/starteng.html We are analysing poltical activities of these two immigrants groups online, their internet usage in general, their political orientation as to the country of origin or residence and the creation of ethnic public spheres. In my Ph.D. thesis I also looked into immigrant internet uses, use of local government websites an its general effect on integration so I would really love to exchange thoughts and data on this subject!! Kathrin ------------------------------------ Kathrin Kissau M.A. Institut für Politikwissenschaft Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Platz der Weißen Rose D-48151 Münster/Germany E-Mail: kissau@uni-muenster.de Tel. +49(0)251-83-29943 Research Project Political Potential of the Internet http://ppi.uni-muenster.de On 10/17/07, Andrew Whelan <amj.whelan@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all, We have a project at Trinity starting, researching immigrants' internet use here in the Irish context. In particular, we're interested in how immigrants are accessing local government and social services online, but also how the internet is used for political activity, including political activity related to the country of origin. I'd be very grateful if anyone could suggest useful reading in this area (somewhat to my surprise, an archive search yielded few results). Best, Andrew

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