Information and communication technologies, social capital, and economic well-being in Latin America and the Caribbean

Series
Young researchers competition series
Publication date
2008
Pages
65
Language
English
Español
Author
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Toledo, Fernando
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application/pdf icondirsi_08_CJ4_en.pdf
application/pdf icondirsi_08_CJ4_es.pdf

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) on inequality and social well-being. Unlike many previous studies, this one works on the following assumptions: a) from a macroeconomic point of view, the impact of the use of mobile telephony and Internet on inequality and well-being is mediated by the effect of the community social capital possessed by the population of the main countries of Latin America and the Caribbean; and b) from a macroeconomic point of view—focusing on the case of Argentina—, the differential impact of the new ICTs on the level of current well-being of the heads of Argentinian households depends on the use made of strong and weak social ties.
 

Section 1 examines the theoretical relationship between the development and dissemination of the newICTs and the concept of social capital, explaining howthis interaction affects the well-being of the different individuals and homes. Section 2 presents the empirical approach chosen formeasuring the use of the newICTs and the different dimensions of the concept of social capital. Section 3 describes the data bases used in the two proposed empirical strategies, and then proceeds to describe each of the estimatedmodels. Section 4 illustrates themain results obtained from the basic statistical analysis and from the econometric estimates made. Section 5 presents the main conclusions of the research. The last part of the study is an annex containing the maps and tables referring to the statistical and econometric analyses performed.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SOCIAL WELFARE, LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

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