ICT Use and Digital Inclusion among Roma/Gitano Adolescents

Abstract

This article analyses the way in which the digital divide affects Roma/Gitano minors. This ethnic group is a paradigmatic case among socially underprivileged groups in Spain; excluded from industrial society, they appear to be facing a similar situation in the post-industrial era. We, therefore, sought to explore the digital experiences of minors from this group in order to study social and digital exclusion/inclusion among them. The research strategy took a comprehensive approach, covering both offline and online behaviour. We focused on the results of fieldwork undertaken in Spain during 2017. In all, interviews were conducted with 17 adolescents (aged 11 to 18) as well as with several social workers who were providing support to the minors. Given that the use of technology has become a prerequisite for the welfare of children and for the development of their rights, the issue tends to centre on three main areas, commonly known as the three Ps: provision, participation, and protection. As such, the analysis of inequality was based on these areas. The findings presented in this article illustrate that the use of ICTs can contribute to empowering Roma/Gitano adolescents to improve the position they occupy as a group in the social structure.

Ensuring digital inclusion

“…Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities experience significant health inequities linked to higher mortality, morbidity and infant mortality as well as difficulties accessing healthcare (Heaslip et al., 2019). 29 In terms of Gypsy, Roma, Travellers digital access there is a mixed picture in terms of access and connectivity with some writers arguing poor (Garmendia and Karrera 2019) 30 and others noting good access (Salemink 2016) 31 depending upon location in terms of site provision and country of residence. Research in the UK by Scadding and Sweeney (2018) 32 with Gypsies and Travellers identified that 20% had never used the internet, 52% reported low confidence in using the internet and only 38% had a household internet connection and this is much lower than people living outside of these communities.…”

“…Where Gypsy, Roma, Travellers have a smart phone they typically use this to communicate with other people in the community or family through closed social media sites such as WhatsApp or Facebook (Garmendia and Karrera 2019, Salemink 2016). 30 , 31 Digital literacy is also lower in these communities (Salemink 2016; Garmendia and Karrera 2019), 31 , 30 largely due to poor literacy skills in general (Scadding and Sweeney 2018) 32 and this can inhibit wider use of digitalisation, especially for older people. Salemink2 (2016) 31 argues there is also a gender aspect here as women tended to spend more time at home providing more opportunity to develop digital skills compared to men who they argue are at greater risk of digital exclusion.…”

Combating Online Hate Speech through Critical Digital Literacy: Reflections from an Emancipatory Action Research with Roma Youths

“…The action research started by identifying the problem that needs intervention and change. Although Roma youths are familiar with online media and use them intensively in their daily lives (Garmendia & Karrera, 2019), they often present an inability to critically analyse the causes of online hate speech and manage it effectively. Thus, they end up being or feeling inactive, resigned, marginalized, impulsive and/or aggressive.…”

DigiCraft: A Pedagogical Innovative Proposal for the Development of the Digital Competence in Vulnerable Children

“…With adequate digital literacy, e-inclusion will be achieved, as the assumption, application, and promotion of accessibility standards and guidelines through training and education [35][36][37][38]. Its purpose is to ensure that no one is left behind in using the benefits of ICT and focuses on the participation of all people and communities in all aspects of the Information and Knowledge Society, with the fundamental objective of reducing gaps in the use of ICTs and to promote their use to overcome e-exclusion and improve economic performance, employment opportunities, quality of life, participation, and social cohesion [39].…”