Kerala Connections: Will the Internet Affect Science in Developing Areas?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-25-2008

Abstract

Three general arguments on the role of the Internet in developing areas have been suggested. The "elixir" argument holds that the Internet does not represent a potential problem but only an opportunity. Information technologies are a developmental tool on a par with educational and agricultural programs. The "affliction" argument holds that Internet diffusion is an engine of global inequality, an insidious form of dependency creating new technology gaps between rich and poor, professionals and laborers, urban and rural dwellers, English and non-English speakers. The third argument holds that there are temporary "teething troubles" that may arise from telecommunications infrastructure or cultural differences that will soon diminish.We describe a project to examine the rapid introduction of the Internet in the south Indian State of Kerala. The "Kerala model" is unique in the developing world owing to its combination of high social development with low economic development. Using qualitative data from interviews with scientists in universities and governmental research institutes, we examine early views of the Internet in an advanced developing area.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

The Internet in Everyday Life

First Page

496

Last Page

519

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