Capabilities and aspirations: A multi‐theory approach to information and communications technology for development in rural Panama
Traben Pleasant, Shaozeng Zhang · The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries · 2021
Abstract Large national development projects often overlook site‐specific theoretical approaches to information and communications technology for development (ICT4D). To address this dilemma, we created a unique multi‐theoretical lens by combining a capabilities approach with an aspirations‐based approach. We use this combination to present an abductive analysis of our ethnographic study in a Black/Afro‐Caribbean community (Basti) in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The study highlights a community/computer center (Infoplaza) that is part of an initiative to close Panama's digital divide. The study objectives were to identify major barriers to post‐secondary education and computer access in Basti, and to assess how the Infoplaza might affect those barriers and people's education and life aspirations. We conclude that while beneficial, the Infoplaza's impact on education, computer access, and influence on education and life aspirations is minimal. This article emphasizes aspirations requiring digital literacy, and it suggests that the Infoplaza (and local schools) prioritize literacy, typing and internet knowledge as a development strategy to increase digital literacy and people's opportunities. Analyzing this study using our combined approach uncovers nuanced inequality in Basti and reveals limited capabilities for people to actualize what they value doing or being. This unique study and analysis is valuable to the Infoplaza initiative and to similar ICT4D research.