Technology and Social Inclusion

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 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.