Women's Position in Digital Inequality: An Evaluation of Policies and Practices in Turkey

Authors : Nuriye Çelik

Pages : 1-22

View : 41 | Download : 34

Publication Date : 2025-07-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In the age of rapid technological advancements, digitalisation has become a tool of modern life and has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape. Digital tools are essential in economic and social domains to achieve social equality and improve policies. This study aims to reveal the disadvantaged position of women in digital inequality. In doing so, the concept of digital inequality is first explained, and the causes of digital inequality are identified. Along with the elements that constitute the source of digital inequality, such as education, age, disability, socio-economic conditions, and geography, the relationship between gender and digital inequality is elucidated. Gender, like other unequal hierarchical structures, is an effective source of digital inequality. The ways to address gender-based issues in digital inequality should be investigated. Therefore, the situation in Turkey is presented, followed by examples of social policy practices worldwide, and the implemented policies are discussed. This study proposes concrete social policies as a significant way for women to overcome digital inequality. The results of the study indicate that social policies planned for women not only enhance the welfare of women but also improve the overall well-being of society and elevate societal development. Additionally, it is understood that while developed countries generally focus on integrating women into high-tech sectors and advanced digital skills training, developing countries prioritize basic digital literacy and mobile internet access. Therefore, the policies to be implemented must consider local sociological factors. Similarly, it is evident from the policies implemented in developed countries that solving this issue is impossible without producing complex policies in collaboration with public and civil society organizations and universities and without determining long-term strategies. The study concludes with proposed concrete policies. Keywords: Digitalization, gender, social policy, digital literacy, exemplary policies.
Keywords : Dijitalleşme, toplumsal cinsiyet, sosyal politika, dijital okuryazarlık, örnek politikalar

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