Internet Experiences of Women Living in Rural and Regional Australia, The
Author
Monica Andrew
Summary
This thesis presents the results of a qualitative study of internet use by women in rural and regional Australia. Previous research is cited indicating that internet usage has grown in Australia from only 31% of adults in 1998 to 58% in 2002. The pattern of use is not evenly distributed, however, with 62% of urban adults reported as internet users compared to only 51% of rural and regional users.
The research in this thesis focuses on women in the rural and regional areas, and aims to explore "their motives for internet uptake and use, the benefits they gain from
using the internet, the difficulties they encounter in using the internet and whether the
benefits are affected by technical factors, such as computer equipment and
telecommunication infrastructure, availability of opportunities for developing necessary
skills, and perceptions of the internet."
The study was conducted by soliciting open-ended email responses to an email or bulletin board request for information about personal internet use. Sampling was done using a "snowballing" methodology which relies on participants
to refer other participants to the study. In all, the author collected
responses from 40 heterogeneous respondents from six
Australian states.
The author includes basic demographic data for each respondent and a map indicating
their location in the country. Participants' responses were broken into four categories for analysis, focussing on the following research questions:
- What are the motives for internet use by women living in rural and regional
Australia?
- What benefits do they gain from internet use?
- What difficulties do they encounter in using the internet?
- Do the difficulties they encounter affect the benefits they gain from internet use?
The author analysed responses addressing each research area and draws several conclusions,
summarised below:
- Motives for internet use - The author finds that the women survey use the internet
primarily to "build and maintain relationships", with some use for community projects, business, educational and personal interests.
- Benefits of internet use - The internet is found to supplement telephone use as a "quick, cheap and easy" form of
communication. In the business environment it
allows women to reach wider markets and conduct financial tasks. Other benefits cited
include educational opportunities, support, and the ability to pursue personal interests not available locally.
Difficulties in using the internet in rural and regional Australia - A number of technical difficulties are cited, with dial-up connection speed and
reliability a significant problem. Difficulties in acquiring more than basic internet skills were also observed.- Effect of difficulties on benefits of internet use - Some participants reported that difficulties
connecting and slow connection speeds did cause them to limit internet usage. Some newer internet users also
reported concern about developing necessary skills for internet use.
The author concludes that "Despite the
many difficulties and frustrations, women living in rural and regional Australia are using
the internet to overcome the limitations of geography and enhance personal, social and
community activities. They are using it to build and maintain relationships, contribute to
their communities, expand their business and educational activities, pursue personal
interests, seek emotional support and undertake a range of practical tasks. Ensuring that
reliable internet access is available to all, along with suitable and affordable
opportunities for developing skills, would enable women living in rural and regional
Australia to utilise the potential of the internet to an even greater extent."
To request access to the full thesis, please contact the author at the email address listed below.
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