l11 : impact of digital communication on identity - social class

Question 1

what is the digital underclass?

Answer 1

those who cannot afford the latest technology which results in great disadvantage and less social capital

Question 2

why are the digital underclass disadvantaged?

Answer 2

• social networks largely dependent on dc
• education now relies on dc, disadvantaging those who cannot afford access to the internet
• knowledge gap created between those who have access to internet and those who don’t
• info shared through dc can shape cultural ideas, so underclass may feel removed from society as don’t share same ideas

Question 3

what did helsper argue about social class and digital communication?

Answer 3

• dc dominated by middle class as they can afford to invest into most recent tech
• digital underclass exists as poor lack resources to enjoy new media
• digital underclass characterised by unmployment, lower education levels, low digital skills
• digital class divide has narrowed over years
• 75% of upper class owned smartphone, compared to 54% of lower class

Question 4

give three stats about the global digital divide based on class.

Answer 4

• in 2012, world bank found that 75% of worlds population had access to a mobile phone
• most widely used language for dc is english, but large proportion of some developing african countries are illiterate
• 6 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide, 5 billion are from developing countries

Question 5

give three evaluation points about the explanation for social class and digital communication.

Answer 5

1) marxists agree with idea that underclass disadvantaged so therefore have diminished lfe opportunities. might not have access to education, banking, information etc. have limited opportunities compared to middle and upper classes who do have access
2) feminists criticise since female oppression not considered. some females may not be allowed online in some developing countries
3) pm disagree since tech now becoming far more affordable, and more accessible through buy now, pay later schemes

Question 6

what did neo-marx argue about representation of the upper class in media?

Answer 6

social class tend to celebrate hierarchy and wealth. rarely portrays upper classes in critical light. ruling elite shown in nostalgic or eccentric