Digital Disconnect: The Social Causes and Consequences of Digital Inequalities

The Digital Disconnect explores the relationship between digital and social inequalities, and the lived consequences of digitization. It introduces key theories and concepts, investigates a range of socio-digital inequalities, and brings research to life with qualitative vignettes. It is an urgent and impassioned call to broaden horizons, expand theoretical and methodological toolkits, and work collectively to help achieve a fairer digital future for all.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2021
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

The increasing digitization of society has sparked growing concerns about the marginalized and left behind. This phenomenon encompasses a wide range of factors, from societal issues to the consequences of everyday actions. The Digital Disconnect delves into the intricate relationship between digital and social inequalities, examining their lived effects.

Ellen Helsper, the author, goes beyond the mere discussion of digital divides and focuses on understanding the underlying connections between social and digital inequalities. She explores why and how these inequalities are intertwined, shedding light on the tangible consequences they have on individuals' lives.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of key theories and concepts related to both traditional and digital inequalities research. It investigates a diverse range of socio-digital inequalities, including access to technology, skills development, civic participation, social engagement, and the creation and consumption of content. Through qualitative vignettes, the author brings research to life, highlighting the personal experiences that shape global socio-digital inequalities.

The Digital Disconnect serves as an authoritative examination of contemporary theory, research, and practice in the field of socio-digital inequalities. It is also a fervent plea for expanding horizons, developing innovative theoretical and methodological tools, and working collaboratively to create a more equitable digital future for all.

Ellen J. Helsper, Professor of Digital Inequalities at the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science, is the author of this insightful and thought-provoking book.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526463401