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In what way/ways – if at all – are the computer and the internet tools for individuals’ roles as citizens in the Swedish working class? What is new information and communication technology’s significance – if any – for individuals’ identities as citizens within Swedish working class culture? The empirical results are discouraging for advocates who have put their trust in new information and communication technology as a potential civic tool. For instance, the study reveals that the computer and the internet can only be considered as marginal phenomena in the everyday lives of the Swedish working class, for these tools are barely used, and further, are perceived as difficult to operate. The study also reveals that new information and communication technology is not viewed as a contributing factor to the working class’ outlooks toward and insights into society. Instead it is concluded that watching TV and listening to the radio – to a far greater extent than the use of the computer and the internet – are activities related to the Swedish working class’ identities as citizens. This study is a critical interrogation into the widespread claims about the computer's and the internet's potential to empower democracy. Through interviews with adult family members of fifteen Swedish working class households, the study explores the following two questions

Information and communication technology (ICT) is regarded as an increasingly important factor of change. Geographically peripheral areas are said to gain most by using ICT, since it could make people feel that they are closer to the centre of society. Many rural municipalities inSweden are therefor taking initiatives to develop local ICT -policies related to their specific circumstances and local problems. The aim of this study is to analyse how and why local ICT policies are developed in small rural municipalities. Qualitative field studies of local ICT -policy processes were performed in three Swedish rural municipalities: Fargelanda, Valdemarsvik and Are. The analysis theoretically is based in policy analysis and the time-geographical concept Pocket of Local Order. Three analytical perspectives are utilised: local enthusiasts, policy networks and the local agenda. The study shows how local ICT-policies developed as solutions to various local problems. In Färgelanda, the local problems were all related to the risk of not being competitive. In Åre initially the competitiveness of local firms was the central issue of ICT -policy, but later on the shortage of democratic influence in the villages was the prime problem handled. In Valdemarsvik the problems were related to high unemployment rates, and ICT focused educational schemes were the solutions. In all municipalities ICT was seen as an opportunity to give the citizens similar opportunities to experienced by citizens in urban areas. However, people in rural areas still are in the geographical periphery, and experience other forms of every day life than people in urban areas.ICT can improve people's opportunities to participate in business activities and might improve their position on the labour market. ICT, hence, may develop new opportunities in peripheral areas, but ICT alone will not solve any problems since people's active engagement and use oflocally embedded resources is the main prerequisite for success.