Analysis of China's Policy on Bridging Urban-rural Digital Divide Based on the Mixed-Scanning Model

Abstract

The urban-rural digital divide is a new manifestation of regional inequality in the digital age, which has gradually received more and more attention in China in recent years. At present, China’s policies on bridging the urban-rural digital divide fall into a binary structure of some well-developed areas only needing theoretical supplements and others not sufficiently addressed. Therefore, this study introduces the Mixed-Scanning model proposed by an American scholar called A.E.Etzioni, using incrementalism theory and rationalism theory respectively to discuss policies in relevant fields. The incrementalism theory is applied to analyze the policy flaws in digital education and the digital economy. Whereas the rationalism theory is applied to policy analysis of the urban-rural digital gender divide, the combined governance model of "government + market + citizens", and policies related to the "cognitive divide". This paper concludes that STEM education and rural Internet training in digital education, as well as farmers' focus on finding their own digital positions in the era of big data in the digital economy could effectively bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas. At the same time, this paper also draws the conclusion that the government needs to pay attention to the concept and technical barriers to eliminate the urban-rural digital gender gap, and needs to mobilize the participation of citizens to bridge the urban-rural digital divide. Finally, this paper points out that AI technology is an important measure to narrow the digital "cognitive gap" in the future.