Gender digital divide in Maya-speaking context of southern México

Abstract

The digital divide phenomenonarosein the early 90s due to internetpopularization and telecommunications and information use management development.Numerousstudies and authors agree that the basic premise of the digital divide is the difference that exists between individuals and societies that have access to computing, telecommunications and internet technology resources and those that do not(Schielfe 2008, Van Dijk & Hacker 2003, Servon 2002, OECD 2001, Ginsburg, Sabatini & Wagner 2000). The importance of information as a necessary element for society to function properlyis where this phenomenonhas its main emphasis, since those who do not have access toinformation,or have marginal contact with it,are excluded from a successful incorporation to social development.This work analysesresults of a studyfocused on gender differences in the use of technologies during a training program called: Reduction of the Digital Divide in Vulnerable and Young People of Vulnerable Communities (REBREDIG-PJA) of a southern Mayan-speaking area of Yucatan. This study ́s results are discussed concurring toMexico ́sNational Development Plan (2013-2018) and National Digital Strategy (2013) guidelinesand compared withparameters stated in Yucatan State Development Plan (2012-2018)