Access to Technology in Transnational Social Fields: Simultaneity and Digital Literacy Socialization of Adult Immigrants

Abstract

Some studies of technology use by immigrants have explored the role of digital media in their maintenance of affiliations with their nations of origin. However, the potential for transnational social networks to serve as resources that facilitate digital literacy socialization for adult immigrant learners remains unexplored. In this study, I draw on the concepts of simultaneity and transnational social fields (Levitt & Glick Schiller, 2004) to analyze the relation between local and remote networks and the use of technology by immigrant learners. The findings reveal the configuration and exchange of resources across nation states, facilitated by family networks and by a local community center with the support of a Mexican institution. The findings also demonstrate the ways in which digital literacy practices were adopted by participants to maintain these transnational connections and to build new networks with local institutions. Implications for community-based technology programs for learners with transnational ties are discussed.

Keywords:

• transnationalism
• social capital
• community technology
• immigrant families
• online communication
• digital literacies

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I appreciate the thoughtful critiques and feedback of the anonymous reviewers and the editors. I am especially grateful to the focal participants, who shared their valuable insights with me. This research was supported by a grant from the Graduate Student and Professional Association at Arizona State University. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agencies.