Electronic Government as Technology for Social Inclusion: Reflections based on Social Work

Authors

Abstract

Electronic government is an apparently inevitable public policy tool that transforms government action and the professional practice of social work. This paper presents a critical analysis of interpretations of electronic government as a neutral or ideologically determined tool, considering the ethical and political challenges involved in the professional practice of social work. It also discusses its relationship with power and its negative effects on citizenship. Finally, it proposes that social work consider electronic government as a social technology that is oriented towards social inclusion and to formation of socio-technical citizenship that is capable of comprehending the effects of technology in society and in life.

Author Biography

Helder Binimelis-Espinoza, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco

Doctor en Investigación en Ciencias Sociales con Mención en Sociología, Magíster en Estudios Sociales y Políticos Latinaomericanos, Licenciado en Comunicación Social. Académico del Departamento de Trabajo Social de la Universidad Católica de Temuco.

Published

2017-10-11

Issue

Section

Open-themed essay