Introduction to the Digital Divide:
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Definition of the Digital Divide:
- “The unequal distribution of information communication technologies (ICTs) and the lack of information access for a large majority of the world population” (WSIS Civil Society Plenary 7)
- The “gap” between the “information haves” (those with access to information technologies) and the “information have-nots” (those without access to IT) (Servon 2)
- There are multiple divides
Problems:
Statistics prove that certain groups use information technologies more frequently and have easier access to them. These groups include (Losh 74):
- Caucasians
- Males
- The young
- The wealthy
- The highly educated
Lack of access to communication technologies today equals:
- Greater exclusion from full participation in society (Losh 74)
- The reinforcement of existing inequalities in society (e.g. male domination, oppression of minorities etc…) (Servon 1)
Thesis:
Therefore, this document will substantiate the claim that despite advances in supplying more people with physical technology, the digital divide is ever-present; the repercussions will be shown through an examination of the divisions along the lines of race and gender, which further entrench existing systems of social inequality.