ICT, Gender Inequality, and Income Inequality: A Panel Data Analysis Across Countries

Abstract

ICT has been long recognized as a driver of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study examines the relationship between ICT, gender (in)equality (SDG 5), and income inequality (SDG 10). We conceptualize ICT as an institutional actor and use the Capabilities Approach to theorize the relationships between ICT, gender inequality and income inequality. This study uses publicly available archival data to conduct a cross-lagged panel analysis of 86 countries from 2013 to 2016. The key contributions of the study include the establishment of the relationship between (a) ICT and gender inequality and (b) gender inequality and income inequality. We also make methodological contributions to the field by employing cross-lagged panel data analysis to further our understanding of the links between ICT, gender equality, and income inequality over time. Our findings have implications for both research and practice, which are discussed.