Southeast Asia Journal on Open and Distance Learning
Vol. 3 No. 02 (2025): Empowering Learning in the Digital Era: Innovation, Equity, and Transformation

Digitalization and Social Inequality in Japanese Education

Akihito Fujiwara (Sebelas Maret University)
Ravik Karsidi (Sebelas Maret University)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This article critically analyzes the digital transformation of education in Japan through the lens of educational sociology. Using literature-based qualitative analysis, the study focuses on the GIGA School Program as a national policy intended to enhance equity through digital infrastructure. Despite universal device distribution and high-speed internet development, the study reveals significant disparities in implementation, especially concerning teacher readiness, household digital literacy, and regional differences. The findings indicate that digital education tends to reinforce social stratification through unequal access to cultural capital, which is consistent with Bourdieu's theory of symbolic violence. Moreover, the growing influence of EdTech companies has led to the marketization of learning, shifting students into passive consumers of standardized content. This phenomenon also erodes the humanistic and dialogical dimensions of education emphasized by thinkers such as Freire and Durkheim. The article concludes that technological reform must be grounded in social equity and educational philosophy to ensure just and meaningful learning. Recommendations include reforming teacher training, strengthening local educational support, and safeguarding education from commercial domination. Keywords:digital education, cultural capital, educational inequality, symbolic violence, EdTech

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Journal Info

Abbrev

current

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Mathematics Other

Description

This journal was launched as an effort to build the academic environment on open and distance learning, especially in southeast asia region. Furthermore, the scope of this journal is focusing on the development as well as the good practice of open and distance learning and the use of technology in ...