Applying the Capabilities Approach to ICT4D

The title is certainly confusing. In the book, Kleine defined ICT4D as "information and communication for development." This basically defines technologies which are made to further development in third-world or underdeveloped countries. In this chapter, Kleine discusses modernization theorists and "the Capabilities Approach". There was a lot of discussion in the 1950's on what would foster growth and development in countries in need of an economic boost. The goal was to increase GDP (gross domestic product). Modernization theorists came to the conclusion that updating technologies would lead to a raise in production and raise the gross income of the disadvantaged area in a domino affect sequence.

The Capabilities Approach is what the chapter is named for, and refers to development as "'a process of expanding the real freedoms that people enjoy' (Sen, 1999, p.3)". Sen regards development as a choice more so than a necessity; he believes it to be a freedom which should be available to be taken advantage of. Technology, according to Sen, is not VITAL for development, and by giving an underdeveloped country the choice to incorporate ICT's, they form a direct link to academic researchers who are trying to help them. Kleine also agrees with this view, and bases her book on Sen's unpopular opinion. Such goes the Capabilities Approach, and for good cause. Another part of the capabilities approach which is beneficial is the part which limits the environmental stress.

Visual Diagram of Sen's "Capabilities Appraoch", which shows how ICT's are used based on personal deciding factors:

(http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/printarticle.php?id=196&layout=html)