Week Eight: March 10 & 12 - Defining the digital divide
Norris, P. (2001). “Understanding the digital divide” and “Social inequalities” in Pippa Norris, Digital divide: Civic engagement, information poverty, and the Internet worldwide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (26-38), (68-92).

• Understand the difference between stratification and normalization as it relates to technological diffusion.
• What are the characteristics of people who are more likely to be online?

Normalization is the path taken by previous technologies that were introduced.. such as television, radio, etc. In this graph, the lines make an S curve, representing the more elite groups that get the technology first, giving them an edge, with the middle class and lower classes eventually catching up as prices go down and the technology becomes cheaper. Eventually, prices become so low, the technology becomes saturated into the society, giving almost everyone access. Stratification is the opposite of this, and arguing that those who are given the initial advantage are likely to keep it because there will always be new technology and improvements to other technologies leaving the lower classes playing catch-up. As a result, the digital divide will always exist.

College graduates who are younger and white are the groups most likely to be online, as well as those who work in more professional and management positions.