Chapter 10: The Evolution and Application fo Digital Divide Research

Authors: Thomas Prudhomme, Allison Clark and Damian Duffy

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Across the state and nationwide, the digital divide remains an information gap that cannot be fully bridged. No national structure has been established to address the issue, so states have taken the lead in an effort to increase socio-economic equity through development of information and communication technology (ICT) in underserved communities.

 

 
Thomas Prudhomme discusses the digital divide in Illinois (transcript-PDF)
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ICT is a tool that can enhance the capacity and potency of local, state and national social and economic networks. It is also a factor that can further reinforce existing social inequalities, but the digital divide is not a phenomenon that can be understood as a simple issue of “haves” and “have-nots.” This problem must be viewed as a spectrum, the space between the reality of persistent social, political, and economic inequality at one end, and the ideal of full participation in a networked democratic society at the other.
 
There is a general consensus that a community-oriented approach to address digital divide objectives, with a particular focus on the role of community technology centers (CTCs), is one of the most effective methods for addressing digital divide objectives. These centers are mainly urban, targeted to low-income population, and are usually a part of larger community organizations. CTCs have great potential in underserved communities, but their success is reliant upon high community awareness and involvement, as well as efforts to ensure the centers are organizationally sustainable.
 
Illinois is no different than the other 49 states or the rest of the world as it faces the challenges of the digital divide; data on basic access across the state indicates that a major gap still exists along socio-economic lines. Illinois’ current strategy for combating this problem is contained in the Illinois Eliminate the Digital Divide Law. Three features of the Illinois program differentiate it from many other state-based initiatives. These include fostering collaboration between established and emerging CTCs, broadening the definition of “underserved” to include urban and rural communities, and encouraging statewide coordination to ensure long-term sustainability.
 
As the role of ICT in the economy increases, technological literacy becomes a necessity in the labor market. ICT represents a new, accessible way for individuals to improve their socio-economic status and widen their economic network. If earnest efforts are not taken to encourage the diffusion of ICT through community technology efforts, existing societal inequalities may only worsen.