Title

Transport and social exclusion: investigating the possibility of promoting inclusion through virtual mobility

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-2002

Subject Area

Social Issues - Low Income, Social Issues - Poverty, Social Issues - Social exclusion, Transport accessibility - Lack of access

Abstract

This paper introduces a mobility dimension to social exclusion, suggesting a strong correlation between a lack of access to adequate mobility and lack of access to opportunities, social networks, goods and services. This correlation exists as both a cause and consequence of social exclusion. The authors question the likelihood that increased physical mobility, by car or public transport, can, by itself, provide a fully viable or sustainable solution to mobility-related aspects of social exclusion. This paper cautiously suggests that the use of information and communications technologies could enable a new, virtual mobility, enabling an Internet-based increase in accessibility as an alternative to an increase in physical mobility. Finally, consideration is given to the possibility of a virtual mobility-related dimension of exclusion and to the possible social implications of inclusion of virtual mobility in an integrated transport strategy.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Journal of Transport Geography Home Page: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09666923