Representations of Poverty and Digital Inclusion: Clashes over alterity in the field of technology and the virtual universe

Abstract

This article investigates representations concerning access by members of the lower classes to thetechnological world and the universe of the Internet. The study observes the crossing of communicationalprocesses of these lower classes with middle and upper class actors, with the issue of co-existence andcultural difference taken as a background. Through observational research in the virtual environment, weconducted a survey of manifestations found on sites, forums and blogs where issues such as consumptionof products, services and social networks by people at the base of the pyramid and the question of digitalinclusion were in some way related. The research results point to a reaffirmation of the logic of “each onein his place”, which winds up questioning the imaginary of the Internet as a democratic space parexcellence.

Keywords: Digital inclusion, Distinction, Poverty, Brazil.

Submission date: 2011-02-15Acceptance date: 2011-10-16