The new expression of social stratification in the 21st century: digital divide and technological discrimination a paradox of the information and knowledge society

Abstract

The object of study of this article is the so-called Digital Divide (DD) and technological discrimination, a new expression of social stratification in the 21st century. An empirical analysis of the problem of inequalities in the Information and Knowledge Society (IKS), as well as a conceptual review of inequalities in the access and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their impact on social and technological exclusion, in this sense, DD as a paradox and logical contradiction in the technological and knowledge society. The objective is to investigate the incidence of DD and its relationship with social stratification in Mexico, also as an insurmountable limit for the exercise of the Right of Access to Information (RAI), being that, currently, digital information is considered an input essential to improve the quality of life, promote social management and citizen participation.

The methodological framework used to approach, describe and study the phenomenon in question is based on a quantitative approach as a result of numerical measurements. The research technique used is documentary, focused on official documentary information, to support assertions, positions and arguments, with a strategy of understanding and analysis using different types of documentary sources. A conceptual approach that leads to the study of the phenomenon of technological discrimination, as well as its strict relationship with social stratification, analyzing the causes of DD, its limitation for the exercise of RAI, as well as the current degree of inequality. digital in Mexico, finally, we will study how to deal with DD from public policies.