Digitally skilled but socially disadvantaged: Enabling digital capabilities in low-income families

Author:

McCosker Anthony1ORCID,Tucker Julie1,Kennedy Jenny2

Affiliation:

1. Swinburne University of Technology, Australia

2. RMIT University, Australia

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of smart home technology use in a low-income household, focussing on the paradox within the digital divide of having high digital skills while experiencing social disadvantage. Contextualised within a larger study of digital disadvantage in low-income households, we use an ethnographic case study approach to examine the experiences of a single parent who lives with her son in public housing and uses various smart home and assistive technologies to manage the home environment and their health and disability. Countering macro studies that equate low-income and disability with digital exclusion, we explore the ‘enabling capabilities’ associated with using digital technologies to address disadvantage. Our case study is contextualised against the typical digital inclusion challenges faced by low-income families and draws on Sen and Nussbaum’s capabilities approach to addressing social inequalities. The paper highlights the need to support situation-specific digital capability development and flexible technology and social welfare arrangements. Our findings and approach contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how to address digital inequality.

Funder

Australian Research Council

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Reference45 articles.

1. Rethinking digital skills in the era of compulsory computing: methods, measurement, policy and theory

2. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Greater Hobart 2021 Census All Persons Quick Stats, ABS. Canberra: Commonwealth Government, https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/6GHOB (Accessed 23 March 2023).

3. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022) Labour force status of families, ABS. Canberra: Commonwealth Government. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-status-families/latest-release (Accessed 23 March 2023).

4. Bridging the digital divide – an Australian story

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