Stability and Change in Household Computer Possession in Poland: Analysis of Structural Determinants

This article expresses the results from a set of analyses that had the following goals: 1) to describe the nature and process of informatization in Poland from 1988 to 2003; 2) to understand the factors that contribute to the digital divide in Poland; and 3) to contribute to the theoretical discourses on social dynamics and modernization. Studying the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Poland is useful for both theoretical and methodological reasons. In 1989 the penetration of digital technology was low, however in 15 years since then, informatization has progressed to the point where it is on par with the rest of Western Europe and North America. This provides a good opportunity for examining the factors associated with the digital divide. Furthermore, as Poland developed intensely over a short period of time, it is likely to demonstrate a pattern similar to those countries which will go through the digital revolution in coming decades.