Technology and social inclusion: rethinking the digital divide

TLDR

Much discussion of new technologies and social equality has focused on an oversimplified digital divide, yet the ability to access, adapt, and create knowledge with ICTs is critical to social inclusion. The book aims to shift the digital divide debate from equipment gaps to how technology can be effectively integrated into communities, institutions, and societies to promote social inclusion. Using interdisciplinary theory and global case studies from countries such as Brazil, China, Egypt, India, and the United States, the book examines how varying technology access drives social and economic stratification or inclusion. The key finding is that people’s ability to use computers and the Internet for meaningful social practices, rather than mere physical availability, determines social inclusion.

Abstract

From the Publisher: Much discussion of new technologies and social equality has focused on the oversimplified notion of a digital divide. Technology and Social Inclusion moves beyond the limited view of haves and have-nots to analyze the different forms of access to information and communication technologies. Drawing on theory from political science, economics, sociology, psychology, communications, education, and linguistics, the book examines the ways in which differing access to technology contributes to social and economic stratification or inclusion. The book takes a global perspective, presenting case studies from developed and developing countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, India, and the United States. A central premise is that, in today's society, the ability to access, adapt, and create knowledge using information and communication technologies is critical to social inclusion. This focus on social inclusion shifts the discussion of the digital divide from gaps to be overcome by providing equipment to social development challenges to be addressed through the effective integration of technology into communities, institutions, and societies. What is most important is not so much the physical availability of computers and the Internet but rather people's ability to make use of those technologies to engage in meaningful social practices.