What is a ‘normal citizen’? Over the past century the perceived value someone can have on society has developed, however the inequalities that were present at the turn of the 20th Century are still resonating within today’s societies, especially within the digital world. By exploring the relationship between the development of working practices and the changes within society, this thesis will examine how economic value and social power has dictated the thinking of a mass culture to exclude certain groups. This is a problem that has started to be addressed by the governments of the developed world, however they have fallen behind with technological advancements, meaning that those creating goods for the digital world are not governed by the same legislation that those producing goods for the physical world are. The thesis continues by looking at these issues in relation to the internet and how the development of technology has started the dissemination of this power to create a more accessible experience for all.
Users of the internet are now becoming aware of the needs of the disabled users and this thesis explores the ways in which the online community is aiding them and how companies are harnessing this community effort to further their own offerings. It concludes with how the internet as a whole is progressing with greater accessibility in mind, and the current issues which surround this progression.
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