Family life and information and communication technologies in a globalized world

Abstract

This article contextualizes a special issue bringing together research on Families and Information & Communication Technologies (ict) conducted in Portuguese-speaking countries. Following a conceptual introduction, where we discuss “family” and “technology”, we present the articles of this issue, emphasizing the gaps they address in our scientific knowledge of family lives and ict. We further outline their contributions in three dimensions: 1) supplementary perspectives regarding family meanings and practices, 2) inclusion of intergenerational relationships, and 3) diverse sociocultural contexts, including countries and regions of the Global South (Angola e Brazil). Whilst the articles precede the Covid-19 pandemic, we show their relevance to understand family and technological dynamics during and after the pandemic. We conclude by reflecting on ict in the pandemic family milieu, underlining new studies and research insights.