The social justice aspect of ICT and democracy

Social justice

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) bring many benefits to democratic societies, but there also can be negative consequences. One challenge that ICT presents to democracies is how to make sure there is equal access to technologies. There are social justice issues associated with unequal global access to technologies.

Social justice refers to the concept of justice applied to an entire society. A just society is one which gives individuals and groups fair treatment and a just share of the benefits of society. In the case of human rights, social justice requires equity above all else. Equity requires that no individuals or groups are disadvantaged in any way. This means that socio-economic status, race, religion, gender or any other form of discrimination should not be factors in the protection of human rights.

Social justice is an important issue in politics, particularly in democracies. Social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and equality. A world where all members of a society, regardless of background, have basic human rights and an equal opportunity to access the benefits of their society is a socially just world.

Social justice and ICT

The use of ICTs in Australian society has been steadily increasing over the past decade which means the impacts of ICTs on the democratic process are beginning to be felt. Technology is now widely available. This provides people with more information and more of a chance to become involved in the democratic process. The people who do not have access to the technology however, are disadvantaged. Groups who lack access to information and communication technologies will almost certainly also lack economic and political power. Democracies need to ensure that the divide between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' does not become too wide.

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Digital divide

One of the principal areas of concern with ICT is the 'digital divide'. This divide is a social barrier that restricts access to ICTs by certain members of society. Some members of society may not have access to the technologies, or they may not be able to afford the technologies. People may not have the skills to use the technologies or the motivation or means to learn how to use them. Young people are more likely to adopt new technologies than older people. With the increased use of ICTs, citizens without access are unable to enhance their freedom of action.

People living in rural or remote areas are particularly disadvantaged by lack of communication technology. Distance is one barrier but the lack of affordable broadband services in remote areas is another barrier. Equal participation in democracy will require money to be spent improving ICT services in all areas of the country.

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Addressing concerns

For a society to be truly democratic, all citizens must have equal access to ICTs, particularly as ICTs are being used more and more in the democratic process. This means governments must work with other organisations to address issues that prevent people from accessing ICTs. Governments should look at providing technical infrastructure and maintenance to small community groups and organisations so that these groups can enhance their online content and visibility. By allowing everyone access to the new technologies, there is the potential to have political equality and more effective democracy.

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