Bridging the Gender Digital Divide: Smartphone Ownership, Digital Literacy, and Access among Spouses in Poonthura, Kerala

Abstract

The concept of the digital divide has evolved alongside technological advancements, with “digital gender gap” first articulated by UN Women in 2010 to highlight disparities in digital access and usage between men and women. This study explores the gender digital divide among spouses in Poonthura, Kerala, focusing on smartphone ownership, digital literacy, and access to digital services. Using a stratified random sampling method, 60 respondents were selected from seven wards in the region. The study employs a quantitative survey design to assess the differences in smartphone ownership, usage, and digital proficiency between male and female spouses. The study aims to compare smartphone ownership rates among spouses in Poonthura; assess the digital literacy levels of male and female spouses and investigate the barriers to digital access and usage faced by spouses, with particular focus on socio economic factors. The findings reveal that men are more likely to own smartphones, with women often lagging behind as late adopters. The study also highlights significant gaps in digital literacy, with women demonstrating lower familiarity with basic smartphone functions and online financial services. Furthermore, barriers such as cost, lack of digital skills, and sociocultural factors contribute to women’s limited access and engagement with digital technology. The research underscores the need for targeted policy interventions, including subsidized smartphone programs for women, and communitybased digital literacy initiatives. It also emphasizes the role of social work advocacy in promoting gender equality in digital access, addressing patriarchal structures, and fostering cultural change to encourage women’s digital participation. This study offers practical recommendations to policymakers and social workers working to bridge the gender digital divide in rural Kerala and similar settings.