Toward a ‘macro-micro’ analysis of gender,power and ICTs

Abstract

This essay, in response to Micky Lee’s article in this issue, agrees with her macro-level argument that the UNDP’s human development approach to new ICTs and global indices are grounded in old modernist models privileging neoliberal economic imperatives, treat ICTs as gender neutral and ignore global power relations. However, the authors argue that Lee’s critique is underdeveloped in three ways. First the term ICT is not clearly defined, yet there may be great differences between ICTs. Second, the concepts of gender and power need to be better conceptualized. Finally, the authors argue that intersections of gender, development and ICTs need to be addressed more holistically by linking macro- and micro-level analysis, as there are many examples of grassroots innovation and empowerment via ICTs (such as mobile phones). This response highlights developments in the design and production of softwares for ICT that illustrate resistance with implications for gender and other social divisions.