Differences in the usage of ICT — using Information — and Communication Technology (e. g.
computers, the Internet) — can be found for various characteristics such as age, education, sex, and region. A study by the European Community in 2004 (Eurostat data; see Demunter, 2005) reveals that differences in ICT usage are less to do with gender than age and education. Still, the digital divide is reflected in gender differences of ICT — usage patterns in Germany and Greece. The following section describes usage statistics of men and women, and reflects on the impact of gender on the usage behaviours in both countries.
Statistical data of ICT usage is available on Germany and Greece from several sources, e. g. Eurostat data and national surveys. Yet, the fact that comparability of national data sets is limited due to differing samples, time frames, and definition of the survey items must be considered.
Furthermore, the availability of Internet access in German and Greek households, as well as broadband penetration, differs between both countries and regions within those countries. Eurostat data show that German households (with at least one member aged 16-74 years) are technically advanced in comparison with Greek households. In 2009, 79 percent of German households and 38 percent of Greek households have Internet access; the number of broadband connections per 100 inhabitants in Germany and Greece is 29.4 and 15.6 respectively (see Eurostat, 2009a, 2009b).
Data Review