Being competent in the digital society: new divides for foreign minors in Italy

Abstract

The rethinking of the digital divide research has focused its attention on the linkage between economic and cultural capital and social exclusion. Indeed, the digital divide is an amplification of existing social inequalities, whereas it is easier for the more advantaged people to learn a digital competence. Furthermore, that digital competence is of vital importance for accessing the most basic social services. Considering the population of foreign minors in Italy, this paper is willing to explore the difficulties in accessing quality digital skills and the impact those could have on their life projects.