Research in the field of digital inequality has proliferated over the last decade and demonstrates the complexity of factors that influence how people use the Internet. Many of these factors have filtered through in recent policies (that for example aim at improving Internet skills) with as primary goal narrowing social exclusion in relation to everyday challenges. Research is mostly quantitative and attempts to describe the large picture of the problem. The mechanisms that explain how online inequalities (e.g., motivational, physical, skills or usage) effect one’s offline position (and the other way around) are yet to be explained in qualitative research. A better understanding and theoretical development is necessary for creating policies aimed at those who are socially excluded. Policies can be better targeted when the effects of providing technology and training on social exclusion are better understood. The overall research question is: How do digital and social inclusion indicators interact and mediate the effects of technology on daily life in low ses-family settings.
Contact: Alexander van Deursen
