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Inequality in the Wired World: Causes, Consequences & Policy Initiatives

This book explores various types of inequality in the digital world, including global divide, social stratification, and democratic disparities. Theoretical debates on the causes and consequences of these inequalities are analyzed, along with evidence from 179 nations. Policy initiatives to address the digital divide are discussed, focusing on issues of access, skills, costs, and democratization. The book provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to bridge the digital gap and promote equality in civic engagement.

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Inequality in the Wired World: Causes, Consequences & Policy Initiatives

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  1. Digital Divide?Civic Engagement, Information Poverty and the InternetNY: Cambridge University Press August 2001 www.pippanorris.com

  2. I. Types of inequality in the wired world • Globaldivide • Core v. peripheries • Social divide • Income/SES, generation, education, gender, race/ethnicity • Democratic divide • Equality in civic engagement

  3. Structure • Theoretical debate: What are the causes & consequences of inequality in the wired world? • Evidence: Compare 179 nations worldwide • Conclusions and Policy Initiatives

  4. I. Theoretical debate • Cyber-optimists • Predict ‘normalization’ of Internet pop. • Technological innovations • Market competition • State initiatives • Cyber-skeptics • Technology adapts to society not vice versa • Cyber-pessimists • Predict worsening inequalities of power and wealth

  5. Data: • Data in 179 nations • % Online, PCs, etc. • Contents of websites 179 nations • Governments, parliaments, & parties • Surveys in EU and US • How do people use the Internet?

  6. II: Current Evidence? • Global divide • Social divide • Democratic divide

  7. How many online? www.NUA.ie

  8. % Online Worldwide Fall 2000

  9. % Online, EU-15Eurobarometer Nov-Dec 2000

  10. II: Evidence? • Global divide • Social divide • Democratic divide

  11. II: Evidence? • Global divide • Social divide • Democratic divide

  12. Average number of online parties per nation

  13. Types of Parties OnlineClassified by % of parliamentary seats

  14. Types of parties online

  15. Conclusions: • Global inequalities • Substantial & growing • Reflects long-term N-S divide • Social stratification • Widespread & unlikely to close in short-term • Democratic divide • Individual-level - activates the active • May empower challengers with know-how

  16. Policy initiatives Closing the divide: • Access • Schools, community centers, libraries, cafes, village centers • Skills • Target populations, eg younger generation, unemployed, women, community leaders • Costs • Competition and deregulation in telecoms, ISP connections, servers • Democratization • Training and facilities for civic society: media, parties, groups • Leadership role for open government

  17. Details: www.pippanorris.com Digital Divide CUP August 2001

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