As a social scientist carrying out research in the broad field of
the Digital Economy, I’m always looking for the interesting social angles in
the areas that we explore. My research is ultimately about the impact that
broadband (or its applications) can have on rural businesses – so on the
surface it looks more to the economy than the dynamics of social life in the
countryside. But as soon as you start talking to people about these issues,
you’re immediately reminded of the bigger picture. As individuals, we don’t
fully segregate the different aspects of our lives. We define ourselves loosely
(and fluidly) around a set of identities along with other attributes -
particularly those relating to our personalities, interests and values.
