Hello,

I need two responses of at least 150 words each for the below students discussions for this week. Also in the bold below are the questions the students at answering.

Given the rapid advancements in technology in developed countries and fast pace of globalization, it is not possible to bridge the global digital divide. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? In 300 words, explain your position.

Student one:

While globalization, which is the process by which businesses and organizations develop and operate internationally, and the rapid advancements in technology are predominately found in developed countries, first and foremost, this does not necessarily mean that the bridging of the global digital divide is not possible, however it is highly unlikely. As technology advances, so does its accessibility. While developed countries may be utilizing the latest and greatest, the underdeveloped countries are just now receiving the first generation of that technology. While this may seem like the underdeveloped countries are at a disadvantage, and many could argue that they are, one could also look at the situation and claim that at least these underdeveloped countries are receiving the technology, just a bit slower than the rest, versus not receiving or utilizing the technology at all. This theory, while ideologically sound, does present some issues. As stated by James (2003) this theory, referred to as the Catch-up Theory, has the potential to provide justification similar to above, in that underdeveloped countries will eventually gain access to the technology that developed countries have, but in reality, they will always be ten steps behind and thus unable to actually catch up and be equal to the developed countries in comparison.

Idealistically, the belief that any and all countries, developed and underdeveloped, will have access to the technology necessary to advancement and the bridging of the global digital divide, is just that. When in reality, underdeveloped countries will most likely never have the proper access to advancements in technology and will therefore continue to struggle to meet the needs of globalization. While this may seem unfair to many, it is unfortunately the way that many things function in the world today. The rich and prosperous continue to grow, while the weak and malnourished continue to suffer.

References

James, J. (2003). Bridging the Global Digital Divide. Edward Elgar.

-Candace

Student two:

Advancements in technology are so fast pace in developed countries that I believe its impossible to bridge the global digital divide. Although the increase in technology has allowed us to communicate across the globe, in order to bridge this gap, citizens of each country would have to have equal access to technological literacy. Unfortunately, as long as there are socioeconomic inequalities there will always be a class of people or whole nations left behind. Disparities in gender, class, and race aide in sustaining this digital divide. We can look to Saudi Arabia in reference to gender inequalities. According to Adam Rasmi, “just 23% of Saudi Arabia’s women are in the workforce today.” It’s not that they don’t have the education, as Saudi women outnumber men in secondary and tertiary education. It’s merely a fact that gender inequality due to religious beliefs has kept women out of the workforce. Now that they are increasingly getting jobs, it is less likely for Saudi women to be in a technological field solely based on their gender. They are then potentially left out of the innovation of new technologies, high skilled technical careers, and higher income.

There are parts of underdeveloped countries still without the use of electricity. How then do they get access to the internet and other technologies? As technology continues to develop in places where access is unlimited, poorer nations continue to get further and further behind. Globalization, meant to promote free trade, opens the access to more and more resources across the globe. However, when only the wealthiest people of a nation have access to those resources, it only enhances social inequalities. There has to be a priority placed by the government to ensure their citizens gain access, education, and knowledge of technology. It is only then that we can bridge the digital divide across the world.

-Adrienne