The Paradox of Progress and Accessibility

Ableism and Neoliberalism in Iceland’s Digital Transformation Policies

Datos Bibliográficos

ID24021580
AutoresInga Björk Margrétar Bjarnadóttir (0009-0005-0655-9571, University of Iceland), Ingólfur Ásgeir Jóhannesson (0000-0002-8212-5944, University of Iceland), Laufey Löve (0000-0001-7776-5632, University of Iceland)
Año2026
Volumen6
Número2
Fecha de publicación2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Disability and Social Justice (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2732-4036 • E-ISSN: 2732-4044
EditorialPluto Journals (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.13169/intljofdissocjus.6.2.0003
OpenAlexW7172327878
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas28

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it is crucial to keep track of the progress of digital transformation and its impact on marginalized communities. This study examines Icelandic governmental digital policies through historical discourse analysis, exploring the ways in which digital transformation initiatives are conceptualized within a neoliberal rationality that emphasizes efficiency, competitiveness, and individuality and how this aligns with the rights and needs of disabled people. The analysis reveals that digital policies lack inclusivity and discussion on equitable access. The policies operate within the historical conjuncture of ableism, neoliberal rationality, and human rights, where human rights are subordinate. This highlights significant challenges in incorporating a commitment to human rights within digital transformation, which frequently falls short of addressing the rights and needs of disabled people.

Ableism · Digital economy · Digital Rights · Digital transformation · Governmentality · Human rights · Neoliberalism (international relations) · Rationality · Disability Rights and Representation · Social Media and Politics · Technology Use by Older Adults