The effects of individual and cultural factors on digital inclusion in European countries: a two-level regression analysis release_samnjaudajabzdnkpf6iajabui

by Teemu Rantanen, Timo Toikko

Published in International journal of sociology and social policy by Emerald.

2024   Volume 44, Issue 13/14, p146-162

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title>With digitisation, a new kind of inequality has emerged in society between people and groups of people. A lack of digital inclusion creates challenges for the economic and social development of society and citizen participation. This study analyses how the country-level cultural factors defined by Hofstede are associated with citizens' digital skills and internet usage and how they moderate the effects of age, gender, educational level and income level.</jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title>This comparative cross-sectional study examines digital inclusion in 22 European countries. Data from the European Social Survey (<jats:italic>N</jats:italic> = 37,602) are analysed using a two-level regression analysis.</jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title>The study found significant effects of demographic and socio-economic factors and country-level indulgence on digital skills and internet usage. In addition, the study shows that a high value on the indulgence index moderates the negative effect of age.</jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title>The digital divide has been studied widely with regard to individual-level influencing factors and international comparisons. The significance of Hofstede's cultural dimensions in terms of digitisation and digital divides has also been confirmed in previous studies. However, there is a lack of analysis combining the effects of country-level culture and individual-level demographic and socio-economic factors on citizens' digital skills and internet usage. Generally, the research emphasises the significance of national culture in digital inclusion and especially in supporting the digital inclusion of older adults.</jats:sec>
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