Knowledge Gap, Information-Seeking and the Poor

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to address the issues of information seeking behavior within a context of an information poor life style. Several factors can be attributed to an information poor world. For example, it is one in which the mass media are not viewed as providers of useful information. Moreover, this is a world in which there is a parsimony of helpful interpersonal channels. Thus, both formal and personal sources are devoid of everyday practical information of the kind that is needed by poor people. In addressing reasons to explain this phenomenon, knowledge gap theory is examined. The conclusion drawn from this analysis is that, although the mass media are perceived as sources of information for some (the "media rich"), they do not respond to the needs of the poor. Unfortunately, the role that interpersonal sources might play in this process, have not been adequately addressed by knowledge gap researchers.