Steyaert J (2002)
Much ado about unicorns and digital divides Abstract: This paper argues that there is no digital divide, but rather several divides. The paper explores the different positions on the continuum stretching from zero access via access in the local community technology centre and dial-in access to full broadband at home. The observation is made that the the digital divide is not strictly digital, but another aspect of traditional social and economic stratification. Poverty of Internet access neatly corresponds with poor health care, poor labour market opportunities, etc. The observation is made that the digital divide – which by now is neither a divide nor digital – is not about access to the Internet, but about accessibility of information, relevance of information and information literacy. Finally, the paper touched upon the difficult issue of personal responsibility and the public/private sector’s remit regarding the digital divide. |
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The journal has now ceased publication (2003) |