Digital Inclusion and Exclusion in Argentina (2017–2024): Impact on Social Mobility and the Educational System

Abstract

his study integrates and compares microdata from the Permanent Household Survey (EPH) corresponding to the fourth quarter of the years 2017 to 2024, aiming to analyze digital inclusion and exclusion in Argentina and their relationship with both social mobility and the educational system. A mixed methodological approach was applied, combining descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques to construct an ordinal index of digital exclusion (none, partial, and total). The results show a steady improvement in household internet access (82.26% in 2017 → 95.1% in 2024) and individual internet use (81.4% → 91.4%), together with a reduction in total exclusion (12.81% → 5.57%). However, structural inequalities remain, linked to educational level, gender, and employment status, which affect social mobility and educational trajectories. The study concludes that digital inclusion is an essential condition for educational equity and social mobility, and recommends public policies that integrate infrastructure, digital literacy, and pedagogical support.