FROM COASTAL MARGINS TO DIGITAL MARGINS: DIGITAL INEQUALITIES AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION AMONG COASTAL FISHER COMMUNITIES IN THE BAY OF BENGAL REGION
Subjects/Theme:
New Blue Economy, Digital Exclusion, Small-scale fisheries, Bay of Bengal, Social InjusticeDescription
This chapter focuses on the implications of digitalization in ocean governance and the formation of new forms of digital exclusion among marginalized coastal small-scale fisherfolk communities in the Bay of Bengal region. Specifically, it covers the issue of the implications of digitization of fisheries governance, e-licensing, and disaster management for marginalized communities in coastal India and Bangladesh. While the technologies of big data and satellite help enhance efficiency, these communities are faced with many structural challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, poor economic conditions, inability to comprehend text-based software applications, and digital illiteracy among other challenges. These marginalized communities end up being algorithmically invisible while economically advantaged people benefit much from the digitalization process. This chapter explains why digital exclusions constitute an important form of social injustice through social exclusion theories, the capability approach, and human security approaches and suggests effective adaptation strategies and policy interventions for increased digital inclusion.
