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CALL FOR CHAPTER PROPOSALS
Proposal Submission Deadline: October 30, 2008
International Explorations of Technology Equity and the Digital Divide:
Critical, Historical and Social Perspectives
A book edited by Dr. Patricia Randolph Leigh
Iowa State University, USA

Introduction
The digital divide refers to differential access between groups of individuals to computer-related resources and includes differential use of these same resources. In this edited volume, authors will explore the historical, political, sociological, and economic factors that engender global inequities related to digital technologies. In-depth examinations of the definition and origin of the ‘digital divide’ will illuminate its relationship to the histories of racism, sexism, classism, and imperialism/globalization. The contributing authors will present the phenomenon of digital equity from various critical social theory perspectives. These critical perspectives, together with the histories of domination and oppression on different continents, will provide contexts for understanding the fertile grounds made available for the international growth and expansion of digital inequity. 

Objective of the Book
The digital divide is an international, global phenomenon that negatively affects groups around the world. Consequently, the objective and mission of this book is to explore and present research that centers on the historical, political, sociological, and economic factors that engender global inequities. Acquiring such insights and knowledge is an important step towards rectifying socially ingrained inequities and a necessary step in working towards global justice in meaningful ways.

Target Audience
The target audience for this book will be composed of academic scholars and educators and their students. Such a resource will aid those researching, teaching, and studying in the area of digital equity or in the broader contexts of social and global justice. Moreover, the book will provide valuable insights for professionals and researchers interested in examining issues of technology equity from various critical social theories.

Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
Histories of Technology, Power, and Dominance
Critical Race Theory and Digital Divides in and beyond U. S. Borders
Critical Theory, Poverty, Class, and Technology Equity
Black Feminist Thought and Digital Equity
Postmodern Views of Differential Accesses to Technology
Critical Multiculturalism and Global Divides
India’s Culture, Castes, and Access to Technology
A History of New Zealand’s Maori and Indigenous Digital Connections
Paolo Friere’s Brazil and a History of Oppression and Technology Access
Diffusion of Innovations in U.S. Poor Cities and Rural Communities
Technology Equity and Access in Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda
Critical Perspectives on Outsourcing to Developing Countries

Submission Procedure
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before October 30, 2008, a 2-3 page chapter proposal clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by November 15, 2008 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by February 15, 2009. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), publisher of the “Information Science Reference” (formerly Idea Group Reference) and “Medical Information Science Reference” imprints. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com.

Inquiries and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word document) or by mail to:
Dr. Patricia R. Leigh
N105B Lagomarcino Hall
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
College of Human Sciences
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011-3192
Tel.: 515 294-3748 • Fax: 515 294-6206
E-mail: pleigh@iastate.edu

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