The Unconnected: Social Justice, Participation, and Engagement in the Information Society

Despite improvements to those affected by the digital divide, there are still many people who remain unconnected in today’s world. This volume examines the problems of addressing the digital divide by closely examining those who remain unconnected - the untouchables or untouched within the information society. Some remain untouched because of access or ability issues that also reflect race, disability, class, geography, and socio-economic status, but others may be prevented from participation by factors of religion, language, philosophy, culture, or simply disinterest. With noted experts from communication, public policy, civic engagement, urban planning, and political science, the authors collectively examine the social, economic, and political contexts of the failure to reach the unconnected and the importance of including them in a dynamic, engaged civic democracy.