Digital Inclusion Support Needs of Households in Poverty: Insights From Interviews With Dutch Social Workers

Authors

  • Lilian G. P. Boerkamp University of Twente
  • Alexander J. A. M. van Deursen University of Twente
  • Ester van Laar University of Twente
  • Alex van der Zeeuw University of Twente
  • Shenja van der Graaf University of Twente

Keywords:

digital inclusion, poverty, digital divide, digital inequality, social inequality, support needs, interviews, social workers

Abstract

As poverty and digital exclusion interrelate, it is relevant to investigate how households in poverty may be best supported in relation to the Internet. Social workers have unique insights into supporting households in poverty, but their perspectives have received limited research attention thus far. Hence, we conducted semistructured expert interviews with 14 social workers to gather their perspectives on digital inclusion support needs. These interviews aim to provide key insights into the role of the Internet in fulfilling economic, cultural, social, and personal needs. While the potential of the Internet is highlighted alongside a few perceived benefits, such as finding free activities in the neighborhood or supporting each other on social media, social workers underline that the Internet may make administrative tasks more complex and may amplify stress. This research adds social workers’ perspectives to existing knowledge on digital inclusion needs and poverty and assists in establishing related support and policies.

Author Biographies

Lilian G. P. Boerkamp, University of Twente

Lilian G.P. Boerkamp MSc is a PhD Candidate at the department of Communication Science at the University of Twente. Her research focuses on digital inclusion in relation to poverty. The aim of her PhD trajectory is to gain deeper insight into the dynamics surrounding digital inclusion and poverty, and to unfold how digital inclusion support may contribute to improving the societal positions of those facing financial deprivation.+31 (0)53 489 3299 (secr.)

Alexander J. A. M. van Deursen, University of Twente

Prof. dr. ing. Alexander J.A.M. van Deursen is a Professor of Communication Science at the University of Twente, Chair of the Department and Director of the Centre for Digital Inclusion. His research focuses on digital inequality in contemporary society. He holds visiting scholar positions at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Arizona State University.+31 (0)53 489 3299 (secr.)

Ester van Laar, University of Twente

Dr. Ester van Laar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Science at the University of Twente. In her research she combines various quantitative and qualitative research methods to identify and measure digital skills youth and working professionals need to learn in the 21st century.+31 (0)53 489 3299 (secr.)

Alex van der Zeeuw, University of Twente

Dr. Alex van der Zeeuw is an Assistant Professor at the University of Twente. As a trained sociologist working at the Communication Science department, he does figurational research on our digitally mediated reality; how people live with data, generate data, and behave according to the data they receive. Alex has published mostly in digital inequality research, on digital skills relating to the internet and the internet of things, risks, and education and culture. He has an interest in innovative methodologies, such as mixing ethnographic research and big data, or other naturally occurring data that makes generative sites of big data meaningful. +31 (0)53 489 3299 (secr.)

Shenja van der Graaf, University of Twente

Dr. Shenja van der Graaf is an Assistant Professor at the University of Twente at the department of Communication Science. Her work focuses on moments of transition and the dynamics that accompany them associated with the digital society, particularly, human (online) culture. Currently, her research is developing at the intersection of ICTs, digital and cumulative culture, and neuroscience.+31 (0)53 489 3299 (secr.)

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Published

2024-09-14

Issue

Vol. 18 (2024)

Section

Articles

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