A Research Agenda for Social Inclusion in Information Systems

Abstract

This research agenda for social inclusion in the information systems (IS) field reflects on its emergence and considers the possibilities and pitfalls for future research. This background information will be useful to students and scholars who are interested in conducting social inclusion research, and to readers who are not conducting social inclusion research themselves but who want to support those who do. The publication of this research agenda is also an opportunity to record institutional knowledge about social inclusion research in the information systems field. The focus is on both information systems and technology developers, and on those who use and are affected by information technology. In view of strong voices emerging that would drown out the message of social inclusion, it is all the more important that members of the IS field strengthen their commitment to this research area. In considering social inclusion work going forward, it is important to remember that this research topic is ultimately action-oriented. To resist the forces that would suppress social inclusion in the IT field and in society, it is more important than ever to situate our work "on the ground" so that the real lives of real people will permeate our research. This orientation has implications for the research methods employed as well as for the actions and interventions that follow.