Vladislava Lendzhova
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
E-mail: vlendzhova@swu.bg ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9757-3419
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https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250203
ABSTRACT
Digitalization has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping economies and individual opportunities, yet its benefits remain unevenly distributed. Marginalized groups, such as young rural women in Bulgaria, face compounded barriers stemming from limited infrastructure, digital literacy, and societal norms. This study explores these intersections using semi-structured interviews with 43 young women from the South West and Central West regions of Bulgaria, supported by quantitative insights. Findings reveal that unreliable internet access (73%) and insufficient digital literacy programs (67%) significantly hinder their engagement with the digital economy. Rooted in theoretical frameworks by Bourdieu, Collins and Castells, the analysis highlights how structural inequalities reinforce exclusion, while also revealing the resilience and agency of these women. This research underscores the urgency of gender-sensitive rural policies focused on expanding broadband infrastructure, scaling digital literacy initiatives, and addressing societal norms. By empowering young rural women, digitalization can bridge the rural-urban divide, foster social mobility, and drive regional economic growth. These findings contribute to understanding the digital divide and highlight the need for equitable digital inclusion strategies as a pathway to sustainable development.
Keywords: Youth marginalization, Rural women, Gender inequality, Digitalization, Social capital, Digital divide
