Mirrored spaces : social inequality in the digital age

This open access book critically examines discussions on digitalisation and individual opportunities for socio-economic advancement.

Contrary to the prevailing narratives of “digital empowerment” and opportunities for every individual, this book argues that digitalisation massively curtails social advancement opportunities, consolidating existing social relations.

From a spatial perspective, Scheffer demonstrates how socially disadvantaged groups are faced with reproducing mechanisms as part of a new data economy.

Surprisingly, the more intensively digital services are used, the more this happens. Building on Löw´s sociology of space and Bourdieu´s concept of habitus, this book shows how practices of social exclusion are transferred to the digital present in an innovative way.

The image of “mirrored” spaces describes a new mechanism that explains social exclusion in the age of digitalisation.

This book is an essential resource for researchers and students interestedin socio-economic inequalities, processes of digitalisation, and digital geographies.