Section Article

Digital Inequality and the New Architecture of Social Exclusion: A Sociological Study of Access Participation and Power in Contemporary India
Author(s): Prof Ananya

Abstract
Digitalisation has transformed access to information education employment welfare services political participation and social interaction in contemporary India. However the expansion of digital infrastructure has not produced equal digital opportunities for all sections of society. This study examines digital inequality as an emerging architecture of social exclusion focusing on access participation skills affordability gender caste rural–urban location and socioeconomic status. Using secondary data from government reports international studies and recent empirical research the paper analyses how inequalities in digital access and meaningful usage reproduce pre-existing social disadvantages. The study argues that digital inequality is no longer limited to the absence of internet connectivity it increasingly concerns the quality of access digital competence autonomy safety and the ability to convert digital resources into social and economic opportunities. The findings indicate that digital exclusion disproportionately affects rural populations women economically weaker groups disadvantaged caste communities and digitally less-skilled citizens.