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Mobile Phones and Expanding Human Capabilities

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

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Mobile Phones and Expanding Human Capabilities

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  1. Mobile Phones and ExpandingHuman Capabilities Matthew L. Smith, Randy Spence and Ahmed T. Rashid

  2. 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

  3. Capabilities Approach • Economic welfare theory which focuses on peoples’ capabilities • The approach emphasizes functional capabilities "substantive freedom“ • Broader than other economic welfare theories

  4. 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

  5. Social networks • In developing countries mobiles used for social interactions rather than business

  6. Social networks Cont’d • Mobile phones primarily used for maintaining social and family relations • Survival/security purposes

  7. Economic networks • Increased efficiency • Reduced transaction costs • Mobile banking

  8. Government networks • Improved service delivery • Healthcare • Education

  9. 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 ICT • Political manipulation and control

  10. Easy access Innovation Improve infrastructure e-voting Private Public Partnerships Future?

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