Your name Chosen topic

Your name Chosen topic

Nancy Taban The digital divide

Concept 1 Concept 2

Class Gender

Essay Title

Exploring the Impact of Class and Gender on Access and Participation in the Digital World

Intro and Thesis Statement

In this essay, it will be argued that the digital divide is a significant expression of social inequality, influenced by both class and gender. By examining these two sociological concepts, the essay will explore how disparities in digital access and skills contribute to broader societal inequalities. The analysis will demonstrate that class-based economic disparities and gender-based cultural expectations play crucial roles in shaping who benefits from digital technologies and who remains marginalised.

Main point 1 (with citations)

Economic disparities significantly contribute to the digital divide, as access to technology often mirrors broader class-based inequalities.

Economic status is a major determinant of digital access, with wealthier individuals and families enjoying better access to technology and high-speed internet. Research by Van Dijk (2020) shows that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to own multiple digital devices and have consistent internet access. This disparity limits educational and economic opportunities for lower-income groups, perpetuating a cycle of inequality (Helsper, 2019). The cost of digital devices and internet services remains prohibitive for many low-income families, leading to a significant gap in digital skills and participation. These economic barriers highlight the role of class in the digital divide, underscoring the need for policies that address financial obstacles to digital access (Hargittai, 2018). For instance, public policies that subsidise internet access or provide free digital literacy training can help mitigate these disparities and promote greater equality in digital engagement. The digital divide is not merely a matter of owning devices but extends to the quality and speed of internet access. Lower-income households often rely on older, less efficient technology and slower internet connections, further exacerbating the divide (Helsper, 2019).

Main point 2 (with citations)

Gender plays a pivotal role in the digital divide, with societal norms and cultural expectations limiting women's access and participation in the digital sphere.

Gender inequality in digital access often stems from cultural norms that prioritize male engagement with technology. According to research by Hilbert (2016), women are less likely to pursue education and careers in technology-related fields due to societal expectations and gender stereotypes. Furthermore, gendered responsibilities, such as caregiving, can limit women's time and opportunity to engage with digital technologies (Robinson et al., 2015). This disparity not only limits individual opportunities but also reinforces broader societal gender inequalities. Addressing these cultural and social barriers is crucial for achieving gender equality in the digital world. The lack of female representation in technology fields is also perpetuated by the digital divide, as early access to technology can influence career choices. Initiatives that encourage girls to engage with digital tools and pursue STEM education are essential in breaking down these gender barriers (Robinson et al., 2015).

Main point 3 (with citations)

The intersection of class and gender amplifies the digital divide, creating compounded barriers for marginalized groups.

The intersectionality of class and gender exacerbates digital inequalities, particularly for women in low-income communities. Studies by Ragnedda (2018) and others highlight how these intersecting identities lead to compounded disadvantages in accessing and utilizing digital technologies. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face both economic and gender-based barriers, resulting in a digital skills gap that limits their participation in the digital economy. This intersectional analysis reveals the complexity of the digital divide and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that address multiple dimensions of inequality (Eubanks, 2017).

Intersectionality theory helps us understand that digital inequality is not a one-dimensional issue but involves multiple layers of disadvantage. For example, women of colour in low-income areas may face racial discrimination in addition to gender and class barriers, further complicating their access to digital resources (Eubanks, 2017).

Your total word count: 598

Citations must be formatted as APA 7. See UniSA Library's APA Referencing Style Guide for more informationReference list

1. Eubanks, V. (2017). *Automating inequality: How high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor.* St. Martin's Press.

2. Hargittai, E. (2018). Potential biases in big data: Omitted voices on social media. *Social Science Computer Review, 36*(6), 692-704.

3. Helsper, E. J. (2019). The digital disconnect: The social causes and consequences of digital inequalities. *Sage Publications.*4. Hilbert, M. (2016). The bad news is that the digital access divide is here to stay: Domestically entrenched broadband adoption rates put a ceiling on full access. *Telecommunications Policy, 40*(6), 567-581.

5. Ragnedda, M. (2018). *The third digital divide: A Weberian approach to digital inequalities.* Routledge.

6. Robinson, L., Cotten, S. R., Ono, H., Quan-Haase, A., Mesch, G., Chen, W., & Stern, M. J. (2015). Digital inequalities and why they matter. *Information, Communication & Society, 18*(5), 569-582.

7. Van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2020). *The Digital Divide*. Polity.

The Social World MA 2: Essay, 1800 words, 40%

STANDARDS

Criteria Task: Outstanding Performance HD/D Exceeds Core Requirements C Meets core requirements P1/P2 Does not meet requirements F1/F2

Structure [20%] Applies appropriate structure

(10%)

Appropriate use of language conventions (10%) The structure and organisation of the essay (intro, body & conclusion) is evident and critically addresses the function of these sections.

Uses language critically and analytically to communicate ideas. Sentence structures make reading effortless. No errors in spelling, grammar and writing conventions The structure and organisation of the essay (intro, body & conclusion) is evident and student effectively addresses the function of these sections.

Uses language effectively to communicate ideas. Sentence structures ensure meaning is clear. Minor errors in spelling, grammar and writing conventions. Usually attempts to maintain the structure and organisation of the essay (intro, body & conclusion) though may not address all functions of these sections.

Uses basic but appropriate language. Sentence structures make reading and understanding difficult at times. Some errors in spelling, grammar and writing conventions. The structure and organisation of the essay (intro, body & conclusion) is often unclear and at times may not address the functions of these sections.

Often uses language inappropriately. Incorrect sentence structures make reading and understanding demanding. Significant errors in spelling, grammar and writing conventions.

Argument [60%] Consistency of argument

(15%)

Demonstrates critical analysis skills

(30%)

Conclusions drawn

(15%) The thesis statement is supported critically and analytically throughout the paper.

Content and ideas are convincingly presented, developed and supported; Discerning and critical evidence is presented where applicable to make ideas clear.

Viewpoints and interpretations critically and analytically supported. Critical and exceptional conclusions made from the ideas raised. The thesis statement is supported thoroughly throughout the paper.

Content and ideas are well presented and developed or supported; relevant evidence is presented where applicable to make ideas clear.

Viewpoints and interpretations convincingly supported. Sound conclusions drawn from the ideas raised in the paper. The thesis statement is weakly supported at times.

Content and ideas are present but not particularly developed or supported; some evidence, but usually of a generalized nature.

Viewpoints and interpretations are generally supported. Some attempt is made at concluding the arguments drawn from the ideas raised in the paper. The thesis statement is unclear and/or ineffectively supported throughout the paper.

Content and ideas are generally lacking and not well developed or supported; lacking evidence.

Viewpoints and interpretations minimally supported. Poor/Minimal attempt made at concluding the arguments drawn from the ideas raised in the paper.

One or more of the concept(s) or topic required in the Essay instructions is absent or not sufficiently analysed.

Referencing [20%] Demonstrated understanding and use of relevant literature (10%)

Employs appropriate referencing conventions (10%) Evidence from the relevant literature is used to convincingly demonstrate critical and analytical thought or insight. Critically and discerningly integrates research into the essay.

Flawless use of APA7 Referencing conventions Evidence from the relevant literature is used effectively to demonstrate critical and analytical thought or insight.

Effectively integrates material obtained into the essay.

Uses APA7 with one or two minor errors. Some evidence of relevant literature used but lacks critical and analytical thought or insight. Attempts to integrate material into essay

Uses APA7 Referencing conventions but style is inconsistent. Poor use of literature to demonstrate critical and analytical thought or Irrelevant literature is used. Poor attempts to integrate material into essay.

Systematic and/or significant errors in referencing style.

Description

Now you are ready to expand your thinking in this last assessment. Sociology aspires to produce a complex and multifaceted understanding of social life. As this course has sought to demonstrate, it is possible to analyse an issue using more than just one sociological perspective or concept. The goal of the Major Essay is for you to demonstrate your engagement (thoughts) with this aspect of sociology.

Your essay needs to advance an argument about how your chosen topic can be analysed using two of the major sociological concepts we have covered in this course.

As this assessment builds on the two previous ones, it is recommended your essay be based on the same topic and two sociological concepts you chose from the following:

CONCEPT (select two) TOPIC (select one)

Class

Gender

Disability

Ageing

Race

Health-Illness

Religion

Media

Crime/Deviance Inequalities in educational attainmentORThe digital divide

You should use the feedback from your essay plan to guide your essay. You can build upon the parts that worked well or you might wish to make adjustments. Making changes as you learn is part of the research process.

If you find yourself struggling with the concepts you chose for your Essay Plan you may wish to select different ones, if it is easier for you to find relevant sources. Reach out to the Teaching Team to discuss if you're not sure. Remember our advice, repeated below, about choosing two sociological concepts where there is sufficient research to develop your thesis.

Consider thisIn choosing which topic and the two sociological concepts you want to write on, it may be helpful to consider the following. Not all sociological concepts can be easily used to analyse a topic. For example, it may be challenging to write about the sociological theories of race and sociological understandings of health and illness in regard to the social implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic due to the lack of available studies there presently are.

A more workable example is how sociological theories of class and sociological perspectives of ageing can help to explain why some inequalities continue to persist in the workplace in contemporary Australian society.

What scholarly resources can I use?

As with your Essay Plan the scholarly sources must be drawn from peer-reviewed sources. These include refereed journal articles and academic books.

You can use the sources from your Annotated Bibliography and Essay plan if they are relevant, but these will not be enough on their own to create a full essay plan. Use any feedback from the Teaching Team about the sources you used previously.

Again, each peer-reviewed source must directly engage with the sociological concepts in regard to your chosen topic.

How many scholarly sources do I need?

You will include a minimum of seven peer-reviewed sources, although you should aim for 10 - 12 sources.

What do I write about?

Your Major Essay is an extension from your Essay Plan where you now develop your thesis in more detail. Your essay will have:

anintroductionthat puts forward your argument (thesis) that responds appropriately to the essay question you have selected,

amain bodywhere you expand your argument and demonstrate your thinking using the sources you have chosen, and

aconclusionthat summarises the essay.

Use the specific information underInstructionsto ensure your essay is structured correctly.

There isnotemplate for the Major Essay.

Here are some key points:

a minimum of seven peer-reviewed sources,

all seven sources must engage substantially with sociological concepts and have bearing on your thesis statement,

aim for 1,800 words (+/-10%) excluding the reference list,

use the APA 7 referencing format,

include a Reference List.

Make sure you read all the information on this page, especially theAdvice & ResourcesandInstructionsbelow.

Aims

This final assessment provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to write an essay on a significant sociological topic.

This skill is important as you will be expected to communicate your critical thoughts about a topic or issue in a majority of the courses in your study program. You would be expected to locate, read, evaluate and critically discuss an issue in writing. You would also be expected to synthesize ideas from different texts and form a coherent and cohesive argument that is based on evidence.

By sufficiently completing this assessment, you will demonstrate a contribution to the following course outcomes (COs):

CO1. Discriminate between major concepts in sociology

CO2. Apply key sociological methods

CO3. Discuss how social differences are expressed in societyCO4. Construct a sociological argument in written form

Instructions

Many of these instructions are similar to those for your Essay Plan but, there are somenew onesso you should still read each one thoroughly.

Read all of the information on this page. Post any questions you have in the Course Forum under the Welcome section from the left-hand menu.

Review feedbackfrom the Teaching Team in regard to your Essay Plan and determine the suitability of continuing with the same topic and two concepts from your Essay Plan. Reach out early to the Teaching Team if in doubt.

Locate several peer-reviewed sources that directly investigate the topic you have selected. Evaluate which ones are most suitable for your chosen topic. Use the information provided below underAdvice and Resourcesto help source and evaluate your articles.

Choose aminimum of sevenpeer-reviewed sources, although you should aim for 10 - 12 sources. You can use sources from your Essay Plan if they are relevant and suitable.

Your essay should bestructuredas follows:

Title:this most likely will be the title used in your Essay Plan. It should be added to the top of your essay, centred on the page.

Introduction:(approx 200 words) the introduction provides the overview or context of the topic and specifies your thesis statement (the focus of your essay or response to the question). It should list the main points that will be addressed in your essay and outline the structure of the essay.

Body:(approx 1,450 words) in the body of your essay:

introduce each main point with a topic sentence so readers understand what they are about to readIdentify the strengths and/or weaknesses of the sociological theories, studies and/or approaches you are writing on,

expand on each main point with a minimum of two references to demonstrate that you have read critically and widely the literature on the topic to demonstrate your critical thinking, and

provide examples where applicable to make the arguments clearer. Use sub-headings as needed.

Conclusion:(approx 150 words) your conclusion should summarise and recap the main points and re-state your thesis.

Reference list:use APA 7 format. Include in-text*references as well.

Submit your completed Major Essay via the submission link at the top of this page.

Aim for 1,800 words (+/-10%), excluding your Reference list.* Note:In-text referencesareincluded in the overall word count.