The digital gender divide. A focus on inclusion through mobile phone use in India

Abstract

Due to the growing use of ICTs in all areas of life, the means to access these technologies and skills to operate them are regarded as important prerequisites for social inclusion or, more specifically, e-inclusion. In developing states, mobile connectivity has become an important way for people to access the internet since smartphones are more affordable than computers and break down such access barriers as costs of infrastructure, equipment and required skills. The aim of the article is to present the benefits and limitations of digital inclusion through mobile access from a gender perspective and to investigate the barriers to this process. The research is undertaken from an Indian perspective. The theses verified are: 1) mobile access can represent a pragmatic solution to the digital divide, including the digital gender divide, even if mobile-only internet use does not necessarily lead to complete e-inclusion, 2) due to the nature of barriers to access, the digital gender divide remains a persistent problem in India. The research methods used were literature review, analysis of statistical data, online sources and elements of a case study. Access to mobile devices and the internet are not gender-neutral in India. There are a number of root causes of the digital gender divide, including financial constraints, technological illiteracy, as well as socio-cultural norms. Therefore, government and business activities should focus on these areas.