How do we define the digital divide with marginalized or vulnerable populations? Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) systems theory can elaborate on the interplay a digital divide has on individuals and systems as they interact. I believe digital divide is a term needing more definition. Systems theory can illuminate issues the digital divide has throughout human development. The next series of posts are to be focused upon the explanation of digital divide and its relation to the subsystems of micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono in social work practice. I expanded on the systems classification to include a broad definition of how each area may be impacted digitally.
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Subsystems
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Areas of Potential Digital Divide
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Individual
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age, sex, health, mental health, socioeconomic status, culture
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Microsystem
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Access and /or knowledge or digital tools (computer, tablet, smart phone), software, apps, game systems, digital footprint, technological innovations applicable to life skills
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Mesosystem
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School, parenting, extracurricular activities, social media, health services, gaming
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Exosystem
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Caregivers/parents use of technology, social, economic or political systems, school digital integration, community resources integration of technology, electronic medical records, peers tech literacy, big data
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Macrosystem
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Cultural, socioeconomic, political, spiritual, and sexual influence of attitudes/values toward technological resources and tools, laws or digital resource rules governing technological uses, business media, big data
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Chronosystem
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Timing of introduction to digital tools, generational differences regarding introduction of technology, effects of crisis related to positive and negative technology impact, effects of the rapid progression of technological advances
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Written By Ellen Belluomini, LCSW
Understanding the Digital Divide through Systems Theory – Part I was originally published @ Bridging the Digital Divide in Social Work Practice and has been syndicated with permission.
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This is great, I think one of the biggest challenges with the digital divide in many areas of the systems approach, is the rapidly changing and affordability of such techonology. Techonlogy is changing that quickly, many people cannot afford to keep up with the changes occuring, thus making it even a greater divide amongst the systems and areas for potentail divide.
Thank you very much, Ellen. I have read many articles and excerpts from books discussing various attributes and definitions of the digital divide. Your application of Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) systems theory helps consolidate that thinking and certainly provides a more holistic definition.
I look forward to Part 2.
Appreciating you,
Daniel K. Wentzel