Engagement in the online campaign in the United States and France. A comparative analysis

Abstract

This paper uses original survey data from France an d the United States to test a model of online participation in national elections (2012). We specify a measurement model of participation using identical survey items across t hese two countries to establish whether different modes of online participation can be iden tified and follow a similar pattern of clustering of activities. We do so using a multi-gr oup SCFA to compare the models across countries. Based on the results and the types of pa rticipation that emerge, we then compare the different profiles of individuals engaging in t he different types of online political activity. To do so, we profile the members of each of these m odes on various key socio-demographic and political characteristics and examine the exten t to which they are already politically involved or from less active sectors of society. Th e findings are designed to contribute to two important debates in the field. First whether e-par ticipation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon like offline participation and if the ca tegories of participation that emerge are confirmed across different national contexts. Secon d we seek to investigate the mobilizing potential of e-participation in a more precise mann er than has been undertaken to date. By breaking it down into modes or categories as has be en done with offline participation it becomes possible to compare the types of people dra wn to each mode.

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