Bridging the Digital Divide in Social Work: A Social Justice Framework for Inclusive Hybrid Practice

Abstract

Summary: Digital exclusion represents a multidimensional injustice embedded in broader structures of marginalization. Drawing on qualitative findings from a study in South Africa, this article explores how hybrid approaches can either exacerbate or mitigate social exclusion, particularly in resource-constrained contexts. The study used a nonprobability purposive sample of 22 social workers delivering in-person and technology-supported services. Data were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti software for coding, clustering, and theme development. Fraser's dimensions of redistribution, recognition, and representation provided a critical lens to analyze systemic inequalities in digital service delivery. The article concludes by proposing actionable guidelines for a hybrid approach that offer a pathway toward a more inclusive and ethically grounded model of practice aligned with social justice principles. Findings: Key findings reveal that digital injustice in social work is primarily driven by three dynamics: unequal access to technology, limited cultural responsiveness, and exclusion from decision-making processes. These dynamics underscore the complex challenges of the digital divide and offer valuable, context-specific insights for developing inclusive guidelines for hybrid practice, particularly in environments facing significant resource constraints. Applications: This article contributes to the international discourse on digital social work by offering a theoretical foundation for policy development, practitioner training, and service innovation. It establishes digital inclusion as a social justice imperative, particularly relevant in the Global South, where the digital divide continues to severely limit equitable access. This contribution advances the field's capacity to engage with technology not as a neutral tool, but as a contested space requiring critical, justice-oriented engagement.