mobile phones and expanding human capabilities
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Mobile Phones and Expanding Human Capabilities. Matthew L. Smith, Randy Spence and Ahmed T. Rashid. Outline. Mobile Phones and Sen’s Capabilities Approach Functionings of mobile phones Social networks Economic networks Government networks Policy issues and implications - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
MOBILE PHONES AND EXPANDING
HUMAN CAPABILITIES
Matthew L. Smith, Randy Spence and Ahmed T. Rashid
Outline Mobile Phones and Sen’s Capabilities
Approach Functionings of mobile phones
Social networks Economic networks Government networks
Policy issues and implications Potential future developments
Capabilities Approach Economic welfare theory which focuses
on peoples’ capabilities The approach emphasizes functional
capabilities "substantive freedom“ Broader than other economic welfare
theories
Capabilities Approach Cont’d
Mobile changes user’s capabilities by; Increasing access to timely and/or relevant
information Expanding possibilities for connection between
people Connectedness and information-sharing
provide a range of functionings that were not possible before
Social networks
In developing countries mobiles used for social interactions rather than business
Social networks Cont’d Mobile phones
primarily used for maintaining social and family relations
Survival/security purposes
Economic networks Increased
efficiency Reduced
transaction costs
Mobile banking
Government networks Improved
service delivery Healthcare Education
Policy issues and Implications
Should the government regulate the market? Consider;
Government's ability to create efficiency without failing
Can government be impartial? (high tax rates for mobile use i.e. cash cow)
Can government invest in ICTPolitical manipulation and control
Easy access
Improve
infrastructure
Future?
Innovation
Private Public Partnerships
e-voting