Internet usage among women‐led micro and small enterprises and household membersʼ use of the internet at home: Evidence from Indonesia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Issue 3 (15th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kusumawardhani, Niken; Falentina, Anna; Bachtiar, Palmira; Indrio, Veto
• Other Names: Edwards Ryan guestEditor.; Suryadarma Daniel guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Asia & the Pacific policy studies. Volume 9:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 370
• Page End: 393
• Publication Date: 2022-11-15
• Subjects: COVID‐19 -- female -- internet utilisation -- micro and small enterprises -- welfare; Policy sciences -- Asia -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Australia -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Asia -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Australia -- Periodicals; 320.6095
• DOI: 10.1002/app5.366
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-2680

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines whether internet usage among micro and small enterprises (MSEs) could influence household membersʼ use of the internet in terms of intensity as well as usage for productive activities. Using longitudinal data from MSEs in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, covering the period before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the study finds that more intensive use of the internet by female entrepreneurs is positively associated with at least an 8 percentage‐point higher probability of internet use for school‐related purposes by household members. Findings from qualitative analysis indicate that female entrepreneurs who are intensive users of the internet are more effective in persuading their household members to accept use of the internet especially for purposes related to their domain of responsibilities, such as childrenʼs education. We argue that policymakers should focus on improving digital literacy among female entrepreneurs as an affirmative action policy to ensure they can enjoy the maximum benefits that digitalisation has to offer.