Social Inequalities Alec Amosson

Theories on Internet Distribution There are two main theories on Internet distribution Diffusion Theory Suggests that the adoption of successful new technologies often reinforces economic advantages.

Theories on Internet Distribution Normalization Theory The social profile of the online community will gradually broaden over time, like the early audience for radio or television. Eventually those who have Internet will use it as much as they use TV. Those who don’t have access will get it slowly, just as they likely did with other communication forms.

Theories on Internet Distribution Debate is occurring on what theory is correct. Many, including myself, believe that the normalization theory is correct. Evidence shows that the amount of users is growing and the different kinds of users are leveling out. Other research is there though to show evidence for the Diffusion Theory.

Who is Online? Who is online in postindustrial societies, and, in particular, does the social profile of Internet users found in the United States reflect that found elsewhere?

Who is Online? Household income was one of the strongest predictors of Internet access in America. Economic resources, including personal or household income, influence the ability to afford home computers and modems, related software, and the monthly ISP and telephone or broadband cable connection charges. Europe and America are similar in this regard.

Who is Online? Depending on occupation many people are more likely to be using the Internet. Those in managerial jobs and office occupations are more likely to have access to the global information society. Managers and professionals are almost twice as likely to use the Internet as those in other white-collar jobs like clerical assistants and service sector employees, and managers are almost three times as likely to use the Internet as manual workers.

Who is Online? The amount of education attained by an individual also has a serious effect on whether or not they use or fully utilize the Internet. A college education not only requires handy use of these technologies, but also equips you with the tools to use them. In Europe, those with college education are seven times more likely to be online than those who left school at 15.

Who is Online? In the past gender has been a strong determining factor of who’s online. Recently these trends have seemed to disappear as women are continuing to become more and more independent and equal. Some locations in Europe still show a significant gap in gender usage of the Internet.

Who is Online? Generational gaps are extremely evident in usage of the Internet. Many ads and marketing gimmicks used by the Internet and the companies on the Internet are focused at the younger generation. There are a lot of quality resources for all ages, so the hope for this gap to dwindle is apparent.

Who is Online? Conclusion The “typical” social set of people are still the ones online. There has been some change but all in all the same type and class of people have access to the best technology. In comparison, the United States and Europe are very similar in these social networks.

Social Inequalities Do the social inequalities in the online population reflect the particular characteristics of Internet diffusion as such, or does this pattern reflect disparities evident in access to old media like cable television and fax machines?

Social Inequalities Social inequalities exist, it’s a fact. The problems that cause these social inequalities lie deep under the surface of these simple questions of whether or not someone has Internet. There are issues such as education, government, and economics that cause these inequalities and until these items are fixed, no inequalities in technology will be permanently fixed.

Social Inequalities A definite similarity can be found in the distribution of Internet to the societies. BUT--- there is some differences found in how Internet is being spread. Costs of Internet, the skills and education needed to run the Internet and the amount of materials needed to run the Internet are reasons why it is spreading differently.

Re-Cap Theories Normalization (Spreading as other technologies have) Diffusion (The rich get the new, the poor still can’t afford the old) Who is Online? All kinds of People! But income, education and generation are key determinates of this. Social Inequalities There are Internet inequalities in our society just as there’s been for many other things. The main action that needs done is to address the underlying causes of inequality.