[Air-L] IAMCR preconference: deadline 15 May. Mapping New Perspectives and Debates on Digital Divide in Africa

[Massimo Ragnedda]

Apologies for spamming your inbox.


If you are attending IAMCR in Colombia this year,  please consider our
pre-conference call.



We have just signed a contract with the *Amsterdam University Press *to
publish all entries in an edited collection early 2018. If you are not
attending IAMCR but are interested in participating in the book project, do
let us know (esp if you can join us via Google Hangout or Skype on July 15
at 9 am local time) We have few spots available.



Thanks

Massimo Ragnedda and Bruce Mutsvairo



*Call for papers*



*Mapping New Perspectives and Debates on Digital Divide in Africa*



*​*

Social media platforms are being considered new podiums for political
transformation as political dictatorships supposedly convert to overnight
democracies as more and more people are not only able to gain access to
information but also gather and disseminate news from a perspective of
their own. When looking at the situation in several sub-Saharan African
countries, it becomes clear there are several challenges standing in the
way of social media and its palpable yet considerably constrained ability
to influence political and social changes. Access to the Internet or lack
of it thereof, is a recognized social stratification causing “digital
divide” thanks to existing inequalities within African and several other
societies throughout the world. Despite issues associated with the digital
divide, mobile telephony is growing on the continent and the rise of
smartphones has given citizens easy access to social networking sites. But
the digital divide, which mostly reflects on one’s race, gender,
socioeconomic status or geographical location, stands in the way of digital
progress. What opportunities are available to tame digital disparities? How
are different societies in Africa handling digital problems? What
innovative methods are being used to provide citizens with access to
critical information that can help improve their lives? This call will be
seeking original contributions focusing on experiences from various
locations in several sub-Saharan African countries with the aim of
providing an updated, critical account on the digital divide and its impact
in Africa. We seek theoretical and empirical contributions exploring these
or any related themes:



-Defining and redefining digital divide with specific reference to Africa
and its Diaspora

-Theoretical interpretations of the concept

- Exploring the Afro-centered relationships between digital divide and
digital inequalities

-Differences between the first, second and third levels of digital divide

-Protest cultures in Africa and how they have fallen prey to digital divide



Please send your abstracts to mutsvairo.bruce at uts.edu.au and
massimo.ragnedda at northumbria.ac.uk



•   Abstracts due: *May 15 2017* (In English only please)

•   Decisions on proposals: May 20, 2017

•   Chapter drafts: July 10, 2017​

-- 
Massimo Ragnedda
Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication
Northumbria University (Newcastle, UK)
mragnedda.wordpress.com
skype: massimo.ragnedda

http://northumbria.academia.edu/MassimoRagnedda
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