The Third Digital Divide: A Weberian Approach to Digital Inequalities

Description

Drawing on the thought of Max Weber, in particular his theory of stratification, this book engages with the question of whether the digital divide simply extends traditional forms of inequality, or whether it also includes new forms of social exclusion, or perhaps manifests counter-trends that alleviate traditional inequalities whilst constituting new modalities of inequality. With attention to the manner in which social stratification in the digital age is reproduced and transformed online, the author develops an account of stratification as it exists in the digital sphere, advancing the position that, just as in the social sphere, inequalities in the online world go beyond the economic elements of inequality. As such, study of the digital divide should focus not simply on class dynamics or economic matters, but cultural aspects - such as status or prestige - and political aspects - such as group affiliations. Demonstrating the enduring relevance of Weber s distinctions with regard to social inequality, The Third Digital Divide: A Weberian approach to rethinking digital inequalities explores the ways in which online activities and digital skills vary according to crucial sociological dimensions, explaining these in concrete terms in relation to the dynamics of social class, social status and power. As such, it will be of interest to social scientists with interests in sociological theory, the sociology of science and technology, and inequality and the digital divide." Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of illustrations Introduction Overview of the book 1. The evolution of the digital divide The rise of the digital divide Attempting to define the digital divide The evolution of the digital divide The telephone approach Digital inequalities: Beyond the binary division Can the gap be closed? Dimensions of inequality online Concluding thoughts 2. Why does Weber still matter? Concepts and methodology: A brief overview of Weber Why does his biography matter? Value-free science Methodology Key concepts Social stratification The process of stratification through the Weberian lens Power Concluding thoughts 3. Digital stratification: Class, status group and parties in the age of the Internet Towards a renewal of social inequalities in the digital realm Social and digital inequalities: an intertwined process The importance of the socio-economic and cultural context Digital inequalities Social stratification in the Information Age Social strata Digital stratification: AWeberian analysis Digital skills and social stratification Concluding remarks 4. Life chances and the third level of digital divide Life chances Life chances, life conduct and lifestyle Stylization of life Digital capital Digital inclusion and digital exclusion Digital engagement The Internet: A tool of inclusion or an instrument of exclusion? Being on the wrong side Concluding remarks 5. Concluding remarks and recommendations Digital divide: A multidimensional phenomenon Recommendations for researchers and policy makers No one should be left behind Tearing down the MAD wall Motivation Access Digital capital Concluding thoughts Bibliography Index