Integrating Gender Equality into an Improved Model of Technology-Based National Development: A Critical Exploration of Internet Diffusion in Pakistan
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
- Widespread belief in the Internet's potential to increase access to information and contribute to development has given rise to movements aimed at providing Internet to distant parts of the world that do not yet have it. Spearheaded by Western corporations, these efforts at connecting the unconnected draw support from a conventional understanding of Internet diffusion that stresses the Internet's positive contribution to development in third world countries. Development, however, cannot only be measured by economic growth. Gender equality, too, is a fundamental piece of the puzzle. Furthermore, the conventional understanding of Internet diffusion ignores the sociocultural factors that are preventing the Internet from reaching those who need it most. Using Facebook's Free Basics initiative in Pakistan as a case study, this paper will draw on findings from original ethnographic research to examine the consequences of current corporate Internet diffusion strategies, specifically with regards to gender inequality. A close analysis of Internet diffusion will show that without measures to ensure fair and equal distribution of information, the spread of the Internet not only is ineffective in catalyzing development, but can also aggravate the social injustice that already exists in target societies. This paper will propose a modified Internet diffusion strategy, one that prioritizes making the Internet wholly accessible and beneficial for all members of society, regardless of gender. The modified strategy will seek to address the shortcomings of current attempts at Internet diffusion by focusing on human-centered development, community engagement, and collaboration with local governments and NGOs. Ultimately, this paper’s recommendations can improve current and future diffusion strategies so that the Internet can reach and benefit all members of society, especially women, as quickly and effectively as possible.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Date created | May 2017 |
Creators/Contributors
| Author | Khan, Zabreen |
|---|---|
| Advisor | McGinn, Robert |
| Degree granting institution | Stanford University, Department of Science, Technology and Society |
Subjects
| Subject | internet |
|---|---|
| Subject | development |
| Subject | gender |
| Subject | diffusion |
| Subject | Science Technology and Society |
| Genre | Thesis |
Bibliographic information
Access conditions
- Use and reproduction
- User agrees that, where applicable, content will not be used to identify or to otherwise infringe the privacy or confidentiality rights of individuals. Content distributed via the Stanford Digital Repository may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.
- License
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license (CC BY).
Preferred citation
- Preferred Citation
- Khan, Zabreen. (2017). Integrating Gender Equality into an Improved Model of Technology-Based National Development: A Critical Exploration of Internet Diffusion in Pakistan. Unpublished Honors Thesis. Stanford University, Stanford CA.
Collection
Stanford University, Program in Science, Technology and Society, Honors Theses
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- Contact
- zabreenakhtar@gmail.com
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