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Reasons for inequality of access to technology (Wealth (Wealth or economic…
Reasons for inequality of access to technology
Wealth
Wealth or economic growth is a key factor that underpins access to technology. Many technologies need a certain level of infrastructure before they can be used, the wealth of a country can determine this.
Phones and internet are a good example of a technology that requires wealth to be utilised. This is why many developing nations utilise leapfrogging and go straight to mobile phones, as it is significantly cheaper.
Wealth also allows the buying of the technology or patents of technology.
Technology such as robotics is highly expensive and requires not only infrastructure but also large amounts of money to buy the equipment.
Education
Education is extremely important in allowing the use of technology.
Studying basic technology, such as computers is becoming more common, allowing a greater spread of people being able to use technology. There are links to wealth, as a country can invest a lot of money into education and therefore greater knowledge allowing that country to have a skilled workforce and possibly make their own technology.
Universities also play an important part in access to technology. They often help with research, therefore the producing of new technologies.
Environmental determinism
Natural disasters can pay a part in the access of technology. Destruction of infrastructure or buildings may 'switch off' that region or make it too dangerous to rebuild.
Resources
Resources can dictate whether a country can easily use a technology. The best example of this is oil and the use of the combustion engine. Without oil many technologies cannot be utilised, and in a bigger picture, electricity may rely on oil. Without oil trade is required which can make the country vulnerable and therefore have the possibility of decreasing the digital access.
Resources can also be used to trade. Trade can help create growth in the economy, boosting wealth and therefore benefiting the country and increasing the possibility of a greater digital access.
Politics and public opinion
Politics and public opinion can often drive the use or banning of a technology. North Korea is a dictator state which has banned the use of most telecommunication technology, making propaganda more realistic for the population.
A government might make a technology illegal due to ethical reasons, such as Genetic engineering. Many in the population in Britain also agree with this, and due to social pressure this technology is widely illegal.
Religion
Some people like the Armish reject the use of technology due to their religious beliefs. This obviously decreases digital access, as they do not use technology.
Catholicism has encouraged not using contraception. This has taken root in many developing African countries, contributing to the spread of HIV. This pre-set belief limits the people in their use of a certain type of technology, contraception.