Explanatory Variables
Obtaining access to ICTs and the Internet has been linked to three factors: race, gender, and geographic location. In a study conducted within the last 10 years, evidence was found that Whites are much more likely than Hispanics or African Americans to own a computer as well as have access to the Internet in their homes. As for geographic location, people living in urban centers have more access and show more usage of computer services than those in rural areas. Gender was previously thought to provide an explanation for the digital divide, many thinking Internet was male gendered, but women increased their usage and have closed this gap. In addition to these three factors, income levels and educational attainment are identified as providing an explanation for ICT access and usage. Others may be education,age, skills, awareness, political and cultural access and psychological attitudes to Internet access and usage. With these findings it is clear that those most affected by the digital divide are poorer, less educated African Americans and Hispanics.
Read more about this topic: Digital Divide
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