Digital inequalities among migrants in precarious situations in Italy: A social work perspective

Abstract

Summary

The present article focuses on the multiple dimensions of digital inequalities affecting migrants in precarious situation in the Italian context, based on observations of outreach social work practitioners active in this field. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and is based on 44 semistructured interviews with social professionals. The outcomes of the study suggest that a multidimensional and intersectional perspective of digital inequalities is paramount to the design of social policy if it is to address exclusion mechanisms.

Findings

The study showcases three different dimensions of digital inequalities faced by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers: a. digital infrastructure (the material and digital instruments and provisions); b. digital literacy and c. digital capital (the capability to transform digital agency into other forms of capital and real-life benefits). The findings show that socioeconomic factors may have a greater impact on the first level of digital inequality in terms of access to digital infrastructure. In contrast, sociocultural factors may have a higher impact on the second level of the digital divide (digital literacy).

Implications

Thus, as the study shows, digital inclusion failures have real-life consequences, particularly for marginalized populations. However, outreach social workers attempt to provide a bridge to increase access to digital infrastructures, literacy, and capital, throughout their work. The authors argue that such work may contribute to prevent marginalization by reinforcing their connection to socioeconomic systems, to public services, to educational opportunities, and to the labor market, opening the possibility of living autonomous lives.