IDPM Working papers
This Working Paper is part of the Development Informatics series
Analyzing Telecentres Using Postcolonial Theory
Savita Bailur
Abstract
This paper uses postcolonial theory to analyze the continuing implementation of one type of information-and-communication-technology-for-development (ICT4D) project: telecentres. Postcolonial theory emerged out of the discipline of literature and provides useful theoretical elements of otherness, hegemony, mimicry, hybridity and voice. Following a brief critical overview of these, the paper goes on to analyze telecentre examples through these concepts.
It finds that postcolonial theory is a means for re-conceptualizing the use of ICTs in development, including telecentres. Through a postcolonial lens, telecentre projects can be seen as an imposition of the centre on the periphery; an imposition not merely of technology but also of priorities, identity, patterns of thought, and inter-relationships. This can include the paradoxical top-down imposition of participation; and a determination that only the “right kind” of participation is permissible.
The theory, and its application, clearly have limitations. But it also raises key questions of how telecentres will be used (the notion of hybridity), and asks Spivak’s question of whether the “subaltern” (or telecentre beneficiary) can ever truly speak about the benefits or lack of benefits of a telecentre; hence whether we can ever truly know the impacts of these ICTs-for-development initiatives.
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