Technology-Culture Dialogue : Cultural and Sociotechnical Appropriation of Mobile Phones in Ethiopia

ISBN-13: 9783643907394 / Angielski / Miękka / 2016 / 190 str.

Setargew Kenaw Fantaw

Opis

This study explores the dialogical relation between technologies and societies with a focus on cultural and socio-technical appropriation of mobile phone use in Ethiopia. It dovetails mobile technology related issues; how and why mobile phones are shared among users; how relations are mediated between married couples; what opportunities the mobile technology offers for repair men and women in the country. Informed by the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) approach, the study represents mobile phone users as "relevant social groups." It compares the meanings that come out of these groups and makes a critical examination of the notion of "co-construction" in SCOT. Setargew Kenaw Fantaw is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. His research interests include philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, science & technology studies, and cultural anthropology.