Dissertation Defence: From Digital Access to Social Inclusion: An Investigation Into the Supportive Role of Service Organizations on People Experiencing Homelessness

Xuege Wang, supervised by Dr. Gord Lovegrove, will defend their dissertation titled “From Digital Access to Social Inclusion: An Investigation Into the Supportive Role of Service Organizations on People Experiencing Homelessness” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies – Urban and Regional Studies theme.

An abstract for Xuege Wang’s dissertation is included below.

Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person exams.

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ABSTRACT

Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) has evolved from luxury to necessity, profoundly impacting social inclusion. While many people experiencing homelessness (PEH) possess mobile phones, various challenges hinder their ability to fully benefit from ICT resources, affecting their social inclusion. Social support —instrumental, informational, and emotional, from social and public service organizations is essential in bridging this divide. This research aims to (i) identify the support gaps; (ii) examine the digital and social inclusion status of PEH in British Columbia (BC), Canada; (iii) develop a conceptual framework for the impact of social support from organizations on the digital and social inclusion of PEH; (iv) identify the impact of various types of support on promoting digital and social inclusion; and (v) investigate the mediation effect of digital inclusion.

Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 87 staff members of organizations and 229 PEH in BC. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and quantitative data were examined using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) based on the conceptual framework and hypotheses developed.

Findings reveal significant gaps in instrumental, emotional, and informational support, exacerbated by personal barriers (e.g., safety concerns, low digital literacy, affordability, health challenges), organizational challenges (e.g., inadequate staffing, spatial and financial constraints, limited operating hours, policy constraints, and misunderstandings between staff and PEH), and difficulties PEH face in accessing information about available services, navigation and mobility challenges, and societal stigma.

This research presents and validates a framework showing how social support from service organizations affects the digital and social inclusion of PEH. Supported by PLS-SEM, the research finds that instrumental and informational support directly enhances both digital and social inclusion, while emotional support primarily influences social inclusion indirectly through digital inclusion. The research also emphasizes the mediating role of digital inclusion between social support and social inclusion.

In summary, this research extends the social support theory within the context of digital equity, providing a comprehensive hybrid database and proven methodology for research involving PEH. The validated conceptual model offers valuable insights for policymakers and service providers to formulate comprehensive support strategies to help PEH achieve digital and broader social inclusion.