Via online UI subscription, Recent research suggests that Internet usage can positively influence social capital in
rural communities by fostering avenues for voluntary participation and creating social
networks. Most of this research has examined whether Internet use is associated
with participation in local organizations and social networks but not the means by
which residents use the technology to learn about local activities. To address this
gap in the literature, the authors use a mixed-methods approach in an isolated rural
region of the western United States to evaluate how residents use their connections
to maintain local social networks and learn about local community events and
organizations. The authors show that Internet usage can play an important role in
building social capital in rural communities, thus extending the systemic model of rural
voluntary participation and community attachment. Implications for rural community
development are addressed.
18 pages., via online journal., Findings in rural communities prompt authors to recommend a customized policy framework that is responsive to the diversity and uniqueness of local contexts in connectivity and digital inclusion.
Kumar, Abhay (author) and Singh, Krishna M. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2012
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 128 Document Number: D11248
Notes:
Online via Social Sciences Research Network. 6 pages. Pages 83-88 in Krishna M. Singh and M.S. Meena, "ICT for agricultural development under changing climate, Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi., Authors examined main reasons for relatively slow application of information and communication technologies in the rural development sector of India. Among the cited reasons: poor ICT infrastructure in rural areas, poor ICT awareness among agency officials working in rural areas and local language issues. They offered ways to strengthen use of ICT tools for addressing climate change at local levels.
