Affiliations: [a] Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society, Department of the Brazilian Network Information Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil | [b] Sao Paulo Business School, Fundação Getulio Vargas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Javiera F.M. Macaya, Brazilian Network Information Center, Av. das Nações Unidas, 11541, 7 Floor, 04578-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. %****␣ip-26-ip200307_temp.tex␣Line␣50␣**** E-mail: [email protected].
Note: [11] Proportion based on the total of the population aged 10 or older.
Note: [12] Proportion based on the total number of Internet users that are 16 or older.
Abstract: Electronic government (e-gov), a means of providing online public services, has the potential to greatly benefit all members of society. However, its advantages are often out of the reach of citizens who are digitally excluded. Drawing on socioeconomic and demographic ICT survey data, researchers have explored the digital divide and have concluded that gender is an important determinant of inequality. If we are to provide e-gov services that are more accessible to women and geared towards their needs, we must consider the digital gender gap. This paper explores gendered differences in e-gov service usage in Brazil. Findings on the disproportionate numbers of women and men seeking and using e-gov services, as well as the reasons for not using them, justify the relevance of gendering the e-gov debate.
Keywords: Gender, electronic government, e-gov, digital divide, sociodemographic variables
