Information technology and gender gap: toward a global view

ISSN： 0264-0473

Source： The Electronic Library, Vol.28, Iss.5, 2010-10, pp. : 722-733

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to present the gender gap in computer and internet usage from all over the world. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The paper addresses some issues on gender and information technology (IT) with focus on gender gap drawn from a review of the literature. It also applies Hofstede's model to justify the gender differences. Findings ‐ Information and communication technology has brought many changes in society in many aspects, has shaped new scenarios and provided new challenges for human beings. Women, comprising over half of society, are not waived of these changes, although, there is a gender gap to access and use of IT among all nations without exception. More recent studies, particularly in developed countries, show gender differences more than gender gap. Originality/value ‐ The paper provides insights into the current computer and especially internet usage by gender among different countries.