Catching the Digital Train? The Impact of Digital Technologies on Rural Communities' Capitals. The Case of Southern Manitoba, Canada
Résumé
Uneven access to broadband has deepened a divide, which sees rural residents struggling with digital technologies (DTs). This situation has resulted in the emergence of creative attitudes to take advantage of the potential of DTs even though full potentiality cannot be accomplished. In this paper, the impact of the utilization of DTs is analyzed through the lens of the community capitals framework. Focus groups and interviews were carried out with youth (outmigration), seniors (ageing), and businesses (survival) in three communities of southern Manitoba, Canada. Building on an emerging concern, two complementary focus groups were conducted with emergency services personnel and residents who experienced emergencies. The results show that the interactions that exist between the resources of rural communities are being reshaped by the progressive adoption and utilization of DTs. Three conditions for rural communities to take full advantage of digital opportunities are highlighted: reliable access, cheap access, and digital skills.
Domaines
Sciences de l'Homme et Société
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