Gendered Dimension of Social Polarization and Marginality of the Women Informal Sector Workers in the Urban Areas Under Information Economic System: A Study on Bangladesh Society

Working women more specifically the women working in informal sectors are the worst victims of society's digital divide, making them vulnerable and socially polarized in digital Bangladesh. Women, according to Jahan and Zahan (2021), do not have the same level of expertise as men in using ICTs, even when they have direct exposure to them. Saha and Zaman (2017) have also reported a gender difference between male and female graduates in their capacity to utilize ICTs. In this article, applying mixed method of research approach the gendered based digital divide that is formed and perpetuated in the digital economy will be explored utilizing the social, economic, cultural, political, and religious lens of Bangladesh society. This article further aims to analyze how social division and marginalization in Dhaka's metropolitan districts affect the lives and livelihoods of women under a restructured job market. The quantitative study discovered that women working in informal sectors were less likely to have a bank account than men. They are also less likely to use digital platforms such as e-shopping, e-ticketing, e-booking of transportation, e-online or mobile banking, and e-government services. The qualitative findings from in-depth interviews also indicated that female respondents face greater difficulties in the placement of jobs or businesses than their male counterparts since most of them possess a poor level of social, cultural, human, and economic capital. Several structural and policy-level maladjustments and shortfalls that cause digital divide and the marginalization of women employees in the informal sector were investigated and policy recommendation has been brought into light to mitigate the crisis and for developing a gender inclusive Bangladesh society.