On the Other Side of the Digital Divide: Usage of Information and Communication Technologies by Socially Deprived People

The article presents results of empirical researches conducted in 2020-2022 and dedicated to practices of digital technologies usage by dwellers of Russian metropolitan areas. Researches based on quantitative as well as qualitative methodology demonstrate digital technologies turning into routine for diverse social strata including low income groups and homeless people. Specific digital practices among socially deprived citizens - homeless clients of social service agencies have been revealed. The research results are changing established views on the inequality forms known as 'digital divide'. Digitalization now is a social routine for people considered as living on the other side of 'digital divide'. The article argues that under conditions of practically common digitalization the inequalities should be studied as multiple social distinctions which are more subtle than general 'digital divide'.