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SIGIS Abstract and Executive Summary

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Information Society, the Internet and Gender: A Summary of Pan-European Statistical Data James Stewart, UEDIN

Keywords: European Statistics, internet penetration, information society indicators, women and ICTs, Women in ICT careers

Document Number:D02_Part2

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Abstract

This report summaries some of the statistical indicators on the information society as it relates to Europe and issues of gender. It covers access to and use of the internet, computers and mobile phones, use at work and at home, and the participation of women in ICTs as well as as users or consumers. It is clear that access to technology is dominated by education and income, but with some gender differences. It would appear that broad parity of access and use of the internet between women and men will be highly likely in the near future. Women and men also have slightly different uses of the internet, but employment remains the dominant reason for adoption and use. The workplace is a primary place to learn about ICTs, and use is higher in technology industries and more senior management, areas where women are less represented than men. Women’s participation in ICT careers and courses is much lower than men’s, although there are quite large differences between countries.

Comparing European countries, there are differences in uptake, but in general the most immediate variations seem to be attributable to small differences in the speed of adoption as much as any structural factors.

Executive Summary

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