Digital Transformation and Social Well-Being: Promoting an Inclusive Society

Description

This is the first book to show how digitalisation and the better provision of information and communication technologies (ICTs) can improve access to a wide-range of social services, as well as make them more inclusive. Overcoming disparities across social groups using contemporary digitalisation models will have lasting consequences on social well-being and human welfare. Reflecting on current trends the authors vividly illustrate the collective, global nature of the challenge that digitalisation represents for providers, administrators and users of welfare services. It is important, therefore, to bear in mind the following for research design and practice: • Citizens' rights must be protected. • Consideration should be given to how the services provided can be improved by more effective use of ICTs. • Digital interventions require better service coordination in the setting of priorities and specific training in digital skills for service providers and service users. The chapters in this book address these problems and challenges in great depth, analysing the role of ICTs in promoting social inclusion and social welfare, drawing on examples of successful ICT applications around the world. The book contains country case-studies from the United States, Brazil, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong (China), Zimbabwe, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Singapore and will be of interest to all scholars and students of social policy, to social work educators, and social care providers. Cover Endorsement Page Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of illustrations Preface Acknowledgement Overview List of contributors Part I: The key issues in the role of information and communication technologies for social inclusion and social welfare Chapter 1: Promoting digital inclusion: Intergenerational aspects Introduction and background Digital transformation and social inclusion Changing demographic context and digital well-being Role of families Conclusion Note References Chapter 2: Social welfare and inclusion in digital societies: Surveillance, data capitalism and COVID-19 Introduction Digital societies and ICTs Surveillance and data capitalism ICTs, social welfare and inclusion in COVID-19 times Final remarks Notes References Chapter 3: ICTs, public participation and social inclusion in the European Union: Trends and challenges in a digital society Introduction. Citizens’ participation in the digital age: e-Democracy Digitalised public participation in Europe Historical overview Precedents The creation of the European e-public sphere The e-Government Action Plan 2016–2020 12 – policy priorities Digital transition as a new methodology 16 Digital transition as a goal: transforming cities' local economic development Digital transition as a methodology: a governance focus Case studies The power of data and their development in urban and social policies in Europe A new window of opportunity The Conference on the Future of Europe. E-democracy and e-participation Conclusion Notes References Chapter 4: Manifesting an inclusive society: Using universal design theory with ICT to supercharge the empowerment and participation of marginalised populations Introduction The concept of universal design The potential of universal design Universal design principles Universal design, ICT and participation Universal design, ICT and empowerment Universal design and ICT: manifesting an inclusive digital agenda Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 5: Digital social work: Strategies to incorporate digital media into practice and research Digital social work Theoretical models for addressing digital transformation in social work Social work strategies in the digital era The digital divide with respect to access The digital divide with respect to use and participation Digital divide based on gender Conclusion References Part II: Country cases of successful information and communication technology applications in the field of social welfare Chapter 6: Social inclusion, social network and community social work Introduction The digital as a form of social inclusion Social inclusion, diversity, and education Human rights Social networking and promoting social inclusion Community intervention and social work Conclusion Note References Chapter 7: Access and strategies for the future of online social work services and education: Disrupting traditional social work Global disruptions and change ICT and social work Innovation in social services delivery Using technology and social media Academic adaptations in the delivery of programmes Zoom and other learning platforms Global social work courses Universalisation of knowledge Cross-cultural aspects and contextualisation Developing scholarly networks of practitioners Conclusion References Chapter 8: ICTs and digital social work: The case of Spain ICTs and digital inclusion in Spain before COVID-19 ICTs and digital inclusion in Spain after COVID-19 Digital social work or e-social work Digital social work: e-social work and social inclusion Towards an inclusive digital social work model Conclusion Notes References Chapter 9: Digital equity and inclusion in technology-based mental health services Digitalisation of services Policy Privacy in digital social work Technology divide and disparities Concerns on the part of clinicians Digital inclusion, equity and design Digital health navigators Conclusion References Chapter 10: ICT and social welfare in Korea Demographic changes in Korea Development of social protection and security measures Policy framework for the digital transformation of social welfare ICT applications in social welfare fields Social security information system Integrated childcare information system Emergency safety and security services for older adults living alone and the severely disabled Smart robot care services Smart senior centre projects Public R&D and demonstration projects in the smart care field Issues and challenges References Chapter 11: Cases of ICT applications in Taiwan for smart living and youth mental well-being under COVID-19 Public efforts – the government-developed live chat bot for preventive resources Prudent surveillance of pandemic status using ICT and artificial intelligence technology Name-based face mask distribution system Rapid and precise responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: deployment of ICT smart technologies Private efforts – the positive interpersonal and life orientation training programme initiated by the National Taiwan University Children and Family Research Center PILOT 2.1 teacher training Evaluation and results Discussion and implications Notes References Chapter 12: The leap forward in ICT development in the social welfare sector of Hong Kong: Opportunities and Impacts Introduction The social welfare sector in Hong Kong Strategy IT strategy for the social welfare sector Smart city blueprint Money The SWDF and block grants Charity foundations Investment & technology fund Capacity Observations The non-subvented sector Conclusion Note References Chapter 13: Digital practice for social work in Zimbabwe: Success, challenges and opportunities Introduction History of digital social work practice in Zimbabwe The legal and policy framework for digital practice in Zimbabwe The success of digital social work practice in Zimbabwe Mobile social cash transfers and financial inclusion The National Case Management System Opportunity for integrated digital social work Challenges of digital practice Digital literacy and skills gaps Conclusion References Chapter 14: ICT and social media: How to avoid social exclusion? Introduction Words have meaning ICT and social inclusion Morocco as an example Impact of digital tools on the real world Digital tools against COVID-19 Digital tools for social inclusion To conclude … for the moment Notes Chapter 15: ICT in improving access to welfare and enhancing transparency in governance: The case of Pune District Council, India Introduction India and the spread of ICT in governance The case of the Pune District Council Assessment of the need for ICT in governance Setting the context The preparation for E-governance E-governance in Pune ZP The Pune model The process ( Figure 15.4) ICT initiatives in the e-governance of Pune ZP Mahanusha Maha-Vanmitra Maha-Labharthi Project management – MahaVisible Conclusion Notes References Chapter 16: Information and communication technologies in the unified social assistance system: Right to social inclusion The situation in Brazil SUAS – the Unified Social Assistance Service in Brazil Social assistance monitoring service in the SUAS The communication and technology network in the SUAS A successful experience – IRSAS: the computerisation of the social assistance network of Londrina – Paraná/Brazil Final considerations References Conclusion Index