Technology and Social Inclusion: Rethinking the Digital Divide (The MIT Press)

Much of the discussion about 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 todays 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 peoples ability to make use of those technologies to engage in meaningful social practices.