From digital exclusion to digital inclusion: A research study exploring the processes and impacts which make a difference for marginalised households.

Digital exclusion is rooted in both the material lack of digital technology and a reliable internet connection and social deficits (education, skills and confidence) (Helsper 2017), and contributes to higher costs of living, increased likelihood of poverty, reduced opportunities for employment, education and training, and social isolation (Allman 2022; Good Things Foundation 2022). The total number of people in Scotland suffering from digital exclusion is unknown, but the Scottish Household Survey (2019) suggests 35% of low income households in Scotland lack internet access (McKay 2021). Reducing this major source of inequality has therefore been identified as a key way to make Scotland a more just and equitability society (Scottish Government 2021). Despite efforts, intensified during the pandemic, to reduce digital exclusion, the negative impacts of digital exclusion have in fact increased since the pandemic (Audit Scotland 2021) and may further deteriorate with the cost of living crisis. The evidence suggests that the most successful approaches to tackling digital exclusion will work across three key areas: access to digital devices and technology; affordable and reliable connections (WiFi or data); and skills and confidence (Good Things Foundation 2021). However, how the process of moving from digital exclusion to digital inclusion works in practice is far less clear (Fang et al. 2019). This study aims to identify the types of informal and formal support that people from a range of minoritized backgrounds find most useful in their journey from an experience of digital exclusion to an experience of digital inclusion. The research methods will include the use of in-depth household case studies, ethnography in the local area with digital inclusion services, and participatory mapping. The findings of the study will inform the development of a digital inclusion support model for organisations such as People Know How, and the thesis and its outputs will contribute to the wider and growing field of digital inclusion. People Know How has been working in the area of digital inclusion since 2015, for more information see these publications: Combating digital exclusion; Place based collaboration for digital inclusion and Supporting people with data connectivity

Eligibility:

Essential

• Applicants will have a first degree (undergraduate) at 2:1 or above and have a demonstrable interest in the topic area under investigation.
• Experience of, or interest in, research or work in community settings.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Enthusiasm and a conscientious approach to work.
• Be able to organize own work and meet deadlines.
• Be able to work within a team and show an interest in working across academic and non-academic settings.

Desirable:

• Achieve (or expect to achieve) a Masters degree in psychology, education, or relevant social science discipline.
• Qualitative design, data collection and analysis skills.
• Experience of research/work with marginalised communities.
• Experience of conducting action research. 
• Experience of presenting information in different formats and styles to reach different audiences.
• An interest in the work of People Know How and a passion to promote its charitable aims.
• Professional qualification in teaching, community work or social work.

Selection Process:

Applications will be ranked by an internal institutional selection panel, and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted for interview on or around 24^th April 2023. Interviews will take place on 4^th May 2023.

This studentship award is subject to the successful candidate securing admission to a PhD programme within the University of Edinburgh. The successful candidate will be invited to apply for admission to the relevant PhD programme.

If you are interested in applying to the listed PhD studentship, please visit the site below, select the PhD studentship your are interested in and follow the further instructions provided under the "How to Apply" section.

https://www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentships/current-opportunities/