Information Networks and Social Inclusion in Latin America
Rapid changes in information networks throughout Latin America may provide new opportunities to address inequalities in the region. This project will generate high-quality research to inform policymakers and practitioners about the development impact of new information and communication technologies (ICTs)-and how to make them more socially inclusive.
Despite favourable conditions for social and economic development, such as high commodity prices and more effective democratic governance, development challenges in Latin America remain. Perhaps most starkly, the region is home to countries with very high levels of structural inequality. To address these inequalities, we must better understand the benefits of broader connectivity in the region. This will allow us to gauge the extent to which government interventions, such as broadband adoption plans, benefit all segments of society.
The research team will evaluate how and how much poor and marginalized groups are participating and receiving the benefits of the new levels of connectivity across the region. These benefits may include increased employment and livelihood opportunities, for example.
More specifically, the project will include three research elements:
-how online labour and financing platforms create opportunities for gainful employment for women and youth;
-the Digital Poverty Survey 2.0; and,
-research on the affordability of mobile phones and the Internet, with a focus on the poor's spending patterns in Latin America.
The project will also:
-deepen knowledge on the relationship between ICT access and the poor in Latin America;
-establish a better understanding of meaningful use and participation in open development processes, such as open government and open education, with specific attention paid to women and youth in urban settings;
-provide recommendations to policymakers and practitioners on appropriate regulatory policies and ICT initiatives that maximize benefits for the poor; and,
-build young scholars' capacities to enter the field and carry out high-quality research projects.
Project ID
107601
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
24 months
IDRC Officer
Matthew Smith
Total Funding
CA$ 735,100.00
Location
South America
Programs
Networked Economies
Networked Economies
Institution Country
Peru
Project Leader
Roxana Barrantes
Institution
Instituto de Estudios Peruanos
Institution Website
Outputs
|
How transformational mobile banking optimizes household expenditures : a case study from rural communities in Mexico Article
This article shows results from an impact evaluation of a pilot project led by the Mexican government, which concerns the financial inclusion challenges in Mexico and Latin America. Where highly dispersed populations in rural communities lack access to a financial system and telecommunication services, mobile banking can reduce spending on communications and public transport. The main benefits in terms of spending come from the reduction of people’s commuting expenses. Evidence also indicates that a major share of spending reduction is transformed into savings in bank accounts. The case study presents mobile banking policy alternatives, promoting financial and digital inclusion for rural communities. Author(s): Renteria, Cesar Language: English |
Informe técnico correspondiente al proyecto : information networks and inclusion for women and youth in Latin America Informes
Author(s): Barrantes, Roxana, Galperin, Hernán, Mariscal, Judith, Viecens, María Fernanda Language: Spanish |
Age for learning, age for teaching : the role of intergenerational, intra-household learning in Internet use by older adults in Latin America Article
As the global population of older adults grows, the Internet emerges as a tool for social inclusion as well as a means of improving various aspects of quality of life. This paper focuses on the role of younger people in the process of Internet adoption by older adults. Regression analysis confirms that younger people living in a household play a pivotal role in the adoption process, but not in intensity of use. Results show three significant factors: presence of a spouse, perception of the Internet as a waste of time, and perception of the Internet as a need. Author(s): Barrantes Cáceres, Roxana, Cozzubo Chaparro, Angelo Language: English |
Informe cualitativo sobre uso y acceso a tecnologías en Lima Metropolitana Estudios
Author(s): Barrantes, Roxana, Ugarte, Daniela, Vargas, Eduardo Language: Spanish |
Informe cualitativo sobre uso y acceso a tecnologías en el área metropolitana de Buenos Aires Estudios
Author(s): Barrantes, Roxana, Benítez Larghi, Sebastián Language: Spanish |
Conectividad urbana en América Latina : una mirada a ciudad de Guatemala Estudios
Author(s): Barrantes, Roxana, Aguero, Aileen, Vargas, Eduardo Language: Spanish |
Precio, calidad y asequibilidad de la banda ancha : las disparidades entre los países de la región son muy importantes Informe
El análisis de un conjunto de indicadores permite concluir que la región muestra mejoras en términos de calidad del acceso (velocidades ofertadas) aunque los resultados en relación a los precios son menos optimistas. Al mismo tiempo, mientras que algunos países muestran importantes avances, otros aparecen rezagados en un alto porcentaje de los indicadores Author(s): Viecens, María Fernanda Language: Spanish |
Plataformas de crowdfunding en América Latina Informes
El presente documento es un analisis descriptivo del sector de crowdfunding – financiamiento mediante una multitud de donantes por medio de Internet - en América Latina. Su objetivo es conocer el tamaño, las caracteríticas y la dinámica de las plataformas latinoamericanas de crowdfunding. Para ello, se realizó una encuesta a los operadores de dichas plataformas, entrevistas con administradores de plataformas y un análisis de los datos publicados en los portales web de las plataformas sobre la dinámica de las campañas y los inversionistas. Author(s): Rentería, César Language: Spanish |
Banda ancha en América Latina : precios y tendencias del mercado Estudios
Author(s): Aguero, Aileen Language: Spanish |
Discrimination in online contracting : evidence from Latin America Study
Findings shed light on how differentials in traditional labor markets play out in online labor environments. Results corroborate that discrimination takes place based on a worker’s country of origin, yet also indicate that this discrimination decreases when more information about workers’ quality is available to employers. Further, contrary to some findings in traditional labor markets, women have a small hiring advantage particularly among female employers. However, women are less likely to submit bids and tend to ask for lower wages, particularly when bargaining with male employers. Payoffs for landing the first job are large for individual contractors, but also help build country reputation. Author(s): Galperin, Hernan, Viecens, M. Fernanda, Greppi, Catrihel Language: English |
Digital divide in Latin America : broadband price, quality and affordability in the region Study
The purpose of this paper is to understand the state of broadband price, speed and affordability in 19 Latin American countries, using data from a study by DIRSI of plans offered in the region. Author(s): Viecens, María Fernanda, Callorda, Fernando Language: English |
Conectividad urbana en América Latina : una mirada a Lima Estudios
Author(s): Barrantes, Roxana, Aguero, Aileen, Vargas, Eduardo Language: Spanish |
Conectividad urbana en América Latina : una mirada a Buenos Aires Estudios
Author(s): Barrantes, Roxana, Aguero, Aileen, Vargas, Eduardo Language: Spanish |
Brecha digital en América Latina : precio, calidad y asequibilidad de la banda ancha en la región Estudios
El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la situación de 19 países de América Latina en cuanto a precios, velocidades y asequibilidad de la banda ancha con datos obtenidos de un relevamiento que lleva a cabo DIRSI de los planes ofertados en la región. Author(s): Viecens, María Fernanda, Callorda, Fernando Language: Spanish |