Rural–Urban, Gender, and Digital Divides during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multi-Layered Study

Anuradha Mathrani (), Rahila Umer, Tarushikha Sarvesh and Janak Adhikari
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Anuradha Mathrani: School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 102904, New Zealand
Rahila Umer: Computer Science Department, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Quetta 87300, Pakistan
Tarushikha Sarvesh: Centre for Women’s Studies, Aligarh Muslim Univesity, Aligarh 202002, India
Janak Adhikari: School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s Univesity Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK

Societies, 2023, vol. 13, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: This study explores digital divide issues that influenced online learning activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in five developing countries in South Asia. A multi-layered and interpretive analytical lens guided by three interrelated perspectives—structure, cultural practices, and agency—revealed various nuanced aspects across location-based (i.e., rural vs. urban) and across gendered (i.e., male vs. female) student groups. A key message that emerged from our investigation was the subtle ways in which the digital divide is experienced, specifically by female students and by students from rural backgrounds. Female students face more structural and cultural impositions than male students, which restricts them from fully availing digital learning opportunities. Rich empirical evidence shows these impositions are further exacerbated at times of crisis, leading to a lack of learning (agency) for women. This research has provided a gendered and regional outlook on digital discriminations and other inequalities that came to the forefront during the COVID-19 lockdown. This study is especially relevant as online learning is being touted as the next step in digitization; therefore, it can inform educational policymaking and help build inclusive digital societies and bridge current gender and regional divisions.

Keywords: rural vs. urban divide; digital divide; gender divide; online study; COVID-19 lockdown (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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