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Overcoming the digital divide: Roma communities’ digital empowerment strategies and actions during COVID-19 in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Ariadna Munté-Pascual

    (University of Barcelona)

  • Ane López de Aguileta

    (University of Barcelona)

  • Ane Olabarria

    (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU))

  • Garazi Álvarez-Guerrero

    (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU))

  • Alba Crespo-López

    (University of Barcelona)

  • Ramón Flecha

    (University of Barcelona)

Abstract

The scientific literature has previously analyzed how the digital divide increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the Roma community. Less research has explored certain minority dynamics emerging within Roma communities, which are being used as a basis for policies and professional actions aimed at transforming the situation of the Roma community as a whole. This article presents the results of an R&D&I research funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science aimed at contributing to filling this gap in the scientific literature. A total of 118 Roma community members and professionals participated in this research. The communicative methodology was oriented towards social impact, by conducting 31 life stories, nine focus groups, 35 interviews, and 1 participant observation in a co-creation process with the Roma community. The results of this study show that during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, professionals and community members participating in the study developed effective strategies to overcome the digital divide in the Roma community. The discussion of the results reflects on the need to complement the excellent analyses of the digital divide among the Roma community, with an analysis of the practices that can serve as a basis for designing future policies and actions that contribute to reversing this situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariadna Munté-Pascual & Ane López de Aguileta & Ane Olabarria & Garazi Álvarez-Guerrero & Alba Crespo-López & Ramón Flecha, 2025. "Overcoming the digital divide: Roma communities’ digital empowerment strategies and actions during COVID-19 in Spain," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04898-6
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04898-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Velicu, Anca & Barbovschi, Monica & Rotaru, Ileana, 2022. "Socially isolated and digitally excluded. A qualitative exploratory study of the lives of Roma teenage mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    2. Susana Mourão & Sara Pinheiro & Maria Manuela Mendes & Pedro Caetano & Olga Magano, 2023. "How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic and Digital Divide Impact Ciganos/Roma School Pathways?," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Emilia Aiello & Andrea Khalfaoui & Xavier Torrens & Ramón Flecha, 2022. "Connecting Roma Communities in COVID-19 Times: The First Roma Women Students’ Gathering Held Online," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, May.
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