Virtual Inequality: Beyond the Digital Divide

by Karen Mossberger, Caroline J. Tolbert, Mary Stansbury

That there is a "digital divide"―which falls between those who have and can afford the latest in technological tools and those who have neither in our society―is indisputable. Virtual Inequality redefines the issue as it explores the cascades of that divide, which involve access, skill, political participation, as well as the obvious economics. Computer and Internet access are insufficient without the skill to use the technology, and economic opportunity and political participation provide primary justification for realizing that this inequality is a public problem and not simply a matter of private misfortune.

Defying those who say the divide is growing smaller, this volume, based on a unique national survey that includes data from over 1800 respondents in low-income communities, shows otherwise. In addition to demonstrating why disparities persist in such areas as technological abilities, the survey also shows that the digitally disadvantaged often share many of the same beliefs as their more privileged counterparts. African-Americans, for instance, are even more positive in their attitudes toward technology than whites are in many respects, contrary to conventional wisdom. The rigorous research on which the conclusions are based is presented accessibly and in an easy-to-follow manner.

Not content with analysis alone, nor the untangling of the complexities of policymaking, Virtual Inequality views the digital divide compassionately in its human dimensions and recommends a set of practical and common-sense policy strategies. Inequality, even in a virtual form this book reminds us, is unacceptable and a situation that society is compelled to address.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Shila Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided some very basic information on the digital divide. It can be a good starting point for conducting newer and more relevant research. However, I am beginning to wonder why society is creating more and more problems around people with less education and less income. These issues seem to be evaporating because now, not even people with college degrees can compete in the workforce no matter how much they know about technology! So is the issue of the digital divide still relevant? From my experiences working in libraries, not even "degree-holding" people are saavy enough to comprehend the fast-changing nature of technology. Still, I question access. Why is it so important for people to have all of this access to information that they may never use? In libraries, this access seems to cater more to social media than actual information. That would be a more relevant topic: does virtual inequality really exist? Do the people who do not have as much internet access actually see their lack of access as "virtual inequality?" Or is this another made-up concept to cater to companies who continue to make technological advances, create a hype around those advances, and then set up their manufacturing bases overseas, further damaging the American economy and then the minds of our youth. Technology is beneficial to some, but most often is damaging because at best, it is a distraction from using your brain cells to solve problems. That is a topic worth discussing and dealing with on a public policy level... just some thoughts. Can we begin to discuss how to use technology in moderation on a national level? That is what is relevant now.

[Vinod · Rating 3 out of 5]

more focus on Us , but a eye opener book