ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a theoretical framework for considering the challenges of promoting social welfare and social inclusion in contemporary digital societies. It is divided into five sections. First, a brief introduction to situate the perspective of the analysis and the method. Second, a proposal to delimit what we understand by the notion of ‘digital societies’ and information and communication technologies (ICTs). Third, the question of surveillance and ‘data capitalism’ as structural, globalised and invasive elements is addressed. Fourth, in the light of the previous points, the tension between ICTs, social welfare and inclusion in times of COVID-19 is raised. Finally, fifth, some concluding remarks, which will form the basis for an ongoing research agenda. For this purpose, socio-cybernetics is used as a paradigm from which to address the preceding questions. This provides an approach and a methodology—which are deployed throughout the chapter—where digital social work, also known as e-social work, takes on an innovative and necessary dimension.
