This study explores the multifaceted impacts of digital humanities (DH) on contemporary social structures, cultural dynamics, and knowledge ecosystems. By analyzing 28 DH initiatives across 15 countries, the research identifies three core transformative pathways: the democratization of cultural heritage access, the reconfiguration of public engagement mechanisms, and the disruption of traditional knowledge production hierarchies. The findings reveal that DH tools—including digital archives, collaborative platforms, and data visualization—have not only expanded participation in cultural practices but also fostered new forms of civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, the study also highlights persistent challenges, such as digital divides, ethical dilemmas in data governance, and the risk of technological determinism. This research contributes to DH and society studies by proposing a holistic framework for evaluating the social impact of digital humanities interventions, emphasizing the need for inclusive, equitable, and reflexive DH practice.

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Digital Humanities (DH) has emerged as a pivotal force in advancing social equity, yet its potential to address systemic inequalities remains underexplored. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of 35 global DH projects and qualitative interviews with 50 stakeholders (community leaders, DH practitioners, policymakers), to examine how DH initiatives can effectively bridge social divides related to education, cultural representation, and civic participation. The findings identify four core pathways through which DH fosters social equity—knowledge democratization, marginalized voice amplification, participatory governance, and digital capacity building—while highlighting persistent barriers including resource inequities, technical exclusion, and institutional resistance. By contextualizing these dynamics across developed and developing contexts, this research offers a nuanced framework for designing equitable DH practices that align with global social justice agendas. The study concludes that DH’s contribution to social equity is contingent on intentional design, cross-sector collaboration, and ongoing critical reflection on power dynamics within digital knowledge ecosystems.

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This study explores the intersection of digital humanities (DH) and inclusive urbanization across 12 countries, analyzing how DH methodologies address social inequities in rapidly urbanizing contexts. By examining 37 DH projects implemented between 2021–2024, the research identifies three core mechanisms: data-driven participatory planning, digital cultural preservation, and accessible knowledge mobilization. Findings reveal that DH tools enhance marginalized communities’ agency in urban development, though effectiveness varies by national digital infrastructure and policy frameworks. The paper concludes with a framework for integrating DH into urban governance to promote equitable growth.

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This study investigates the role of digital humanities (DH) in safeguarding urban digital heritage (UDH) and enhancing urban resilience across 15 countries, focusing on post-disaster recovery and rapid urbanization scenarios. By analyzing 42 DH projects implemented between 2021–2024, the research identifies four core functions of DH: UDH documentation and preservation, community-centered disaster response, adaptive urban planning, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Findings indicate that DH-enabled UDH initiatives strengthen cities’ social, cultural, and physical resilience, though effectiveness is mediated by institutional support, community engagement, and technological adaptability. The paper proposes a resilience-oriented UDH framework to guide cross-sector collaboration in diverse urban contexts.

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This study explores the role of digital humanities (DH) and urban digital heritage (UDH) in advancing urban circular economy (UCE) across 18 countries, focusing on three core UCE pillars: resource reuse, low-carbon transition, and circular governance. By analyzing 48 DH projects implemented between 2021–2025, the research identifies five synergistic mechanisms through which UDH enables circularity: cultural heritage-driven resource optimization, digital documentation of traditional circular practices, participatory circular governance via UDH platforms, low-carbon preservation technologies, and circular economy (CE) value creation through heritage digitization. Findings reveal that context-adaptive DH initiatives integrate cultural preservation with resource efficiency, though effectiveness is mediated by policy integration (e.g., national CE strategies), technological adaptability, and cross-sector collaboration. The paper proposes a UDH-UCE Integration Framework to guide inclusive, culturally sensitive circular urban development.

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