In the book 'Media Across the African Diaspora: Content, Audiences, and Influence' edited... more In the book 'Media Across the African Diaspora: Content, Audiences, and Influence' edited by Banjo O.B. This article is found in the twelveth chapter on pages 204-222
ABSTRACT Some authors have recently suggested that the new features introduced in mobile phones, ... more ABSTRACT Some authors have recently suggested that the new features introduced in mobile phones, particularly the possibility to access the Internet, and the rapid expansion of these devices in Africa will help reduce the digital divide and social inequality. This paper examines those assumptions and finds that the mere possession of a technical object does not eliminate the inequalities between those who possess it, including inequalities in access related to the Internet via mobile phone (the mobile divide). Multiple levels of access still exist that are closely linked to the position agents occupy in the social space and that do vary depending on the economic, social, and cultural resources they are endowed with. Using a webero-bourdieusian framework, this paper identifies the differences existing among Nigerien users and demonstrates how they are manifested in both intensity and opportunities of use. The data for the study is drawn from various sources such as statistics from international development organizations (ITU, UNDP, IMF, etc.) and various studies and surveys concerning access to ICTs in Niger. Additional data was collected using semi-structured interviews carried out in Niamey, the capital city of Niger during the summer of 2011.
Abstract: Thank you for your interest in this graduate work published by ProQuest's ... more Abstract: Thank you for your interest in this graduate work published by ProQuest's UMI Dissertation Publishing group. This graduate work is no longer available through this web page. If you are interested in this or other dissertations and theses published by ProQuest, please try ...
The Power of Civil Society in the Middle East and North Africa, 2019
Abstract In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in th... more Abstract In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in the democratization process in Niger Republic. However, in the overwhelming majority of the studies, the focus so far has been on what happened between the end of the 1980s and after 1990. The goal of this paper is to retrace the history of the Nigerien unions from the early years of their existence to date and to show that they draw their many successes and their strength from a long experience of “political unionism” and civil society interventionism which have prevailed over sheer corporatism. The paper argues that the unions’ struggles in Niger have never been separate from the political struggles. The political context, both under colonization and following independence has indeed heavily shaped and oriented most of organized labor protest movements.
Abstract This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's blac... more Abstract This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's black identity discourse as expressed online on the websites of the diaspora of African descent. Our main questions are the following: what are the tools and symbols associated with science and technology that are being used online to express black identity? What are the online representations of black scientists and black inventors? What are the representations associated with the scientific or technological achievements of black people and their relationship to black identity? The main argument is that science and technology are given meaning within the context and in opposition to a perceived ‘’white cultural hegemony’’ which is to be countered by an identity discourse that aims to show, not only the contributions of people of "African" or "black" descent to scientific and technological progress, but also to reintegrate them into the historically constituted scientific communities. This counter rhetoric is based on the supposed ability of the Internet to (re)negotiate the meanings associated with black identity. Theoretically, the paper takes place within the structuralist-constructivist framework designed by Bourdieu. It apprehends identity constructions as the result of symbolic struggles which the purpose is to impose a vision of social divisions. Methodologically, the study is based on a qualitative analysis of the design, the content, and the impact of a sample of black diasporic websites. Keywords: science, technology, black identity, counter-discourse, websites, black transnational virtual communities.
This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in N... more This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in Niger. The study is based on a fieldwork conducted during the summer of 2003 and 2004 among Nigerien urban users of mobile phones in Niamey, the capital city. Semi-structured interviews were used to find out how people ‘experience’ the use of mobile phones in their everyday life. The author argues that the use of mobile phones in Niger is expanding women’s sphere of privacy, challenging the disintegration effects of urban life, reinforcing communal ties, changing social use of time and what Pertierra et al. (2002) call ‘discursive practices.’ The paper concludes by explaining that the popularity of mobile phones in Africa and particularly in Niger lies essentially in the manipulability and low cost of those telecommunications devices, including the fact that mobile phones do not require a certain level of literacy among the users. Key Terms: mobile phone, privacy, urban life, gendered tec...
This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language [1]... more This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language [1] presented in a Nigerien online setting, a Facebook page called “ Affaire des bebes importe s” [2] , (Herein “ Affaire des bebes importes ” is translated from French to English, and the comparable term, “Baby-trafficking scandal Facebook page,” is then used for clarity) [3] , by examining a series of events framed as “the baby-trafficking scandal”. These events gave rise to a myriad of linguistic inventions (jokes, insults, satire, cartoons, and different forms of humor). These had as their main intent an undermining of the moral authority of a political leader who was opposing the current government. The argument defended in the paper is the following: In countries like Niger, which are characterized by a fragile social cohesion and deep-seated ethnic rivalries, scandalizing adversaries through opprobrious language or extreme speech is more than an online expression of group divisions;...
This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in N... more This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in Niger. The study is based on a fieldwork conducted during the summer of 2003 and 2004 among Nigerien urban users of mobile phones in Niamey, the capital city. Semi-structured interviews were used to find out how people ‘experience’ the use of mobile phones in their everyday life. The author argues that the use of mobile phones in Niger is expanding women’s sphere of privacy, challenging the disintegration effects of urban life, reinforcing communal ties, changing social use of time and what Pertierra et al. (2002) call ‘discursive practices.’ The paper concludes by explaining that the popularity of mobile phones in Africa and particularly in Niger lies essentially in the manipulability and low cost of those telecommunications devices, including the fact that mobile phones do not require a certain level of literacy among the users.
The Power of Civil Society in the Middle East and North Africa: Peace-building, Change, and Development,, 2019
In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in the democra... more In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in the democratization process in Niger Republic. However, in the overwhelming majority of the studies, the focus so far has been on what happened between the end of the 1980s and after 1990. The goal of this paper is to retrace the history of the Nigerien unions from the early years of their existence to date and to show that they draw their many successes and their strength from a long experience of “political unionism” and civil society interventionism which have prevailed over sheer corporatism. The paper argues that the unions’ struggles in Niger have never been separate from the political struggles. The political context, both under colonization and following independence has indeed heavily shaped and oriented most of organized labor protest movements.
Media Across the African Diaspora: Content, Audiences, and Influence, 2018
This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's black identity di... more This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's black identity discourse as expressed online on the websites of the diaspora of African descent. Our main questions are the following: what are the tools and symbols associated with science and technology that are being used online to express black identity? What are the online representations of black scientists and black inventors? What are the representations associated with the scientific or technological achievements of black people and their relationship to black identity? The main argument is that science and technology are given meaning within the context and in opposition to a perceived ‘’white cultural hegemony’’ which is to be countered by an identity discourse that aims to show, not only the contributions of people of "African" or "black" descent to scientific and technological progress, but also to reintegrate them into the historically constituted scientific communities....
This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language 1 p... more This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language 1 presented in a Nigerien online setting, a Facebook page called "Affaire des bébés importés" 2 , (Herein "Affaire des bébés importés" is translated from French to English, and the comparable term, "Baby-trafficking scandal Facebook page," is then used for clarity) 3 , by examining a series of events framed as "the baby-trafficking scandal". These events gave rise to a myriad of linguistic inventions (jokes, insults, satire, cartoons, and different forms of humor). These had as their main intent an undermining of the moral authority of a political leader who was opposing the current government. The argument defended in the paper is the following: In countries like Niger, which are characterized by a fragile social cohesion and deep-seated ethnic rivalries, scandalizing adversaries through opprobrious language or extreme speech is more than an online e...
Many multi- and bilateral agencies have integrated the promotion of information and communication... more Many multi- and bilateral agencies have integrated the promotion of information and communication technologies in Africa into their programmes. Along with African NGOs, they strongly advocate the use of ICTs by government offices, private enterprises, schools and the public. In general, groups and actors involved in such efforts share a set of dispositions and worldviews which are highly ‘modernist’ and technocentrist and characterized by a propensity to view and act in favour of exogenous ‘technological’ solutions to development problems. One of the main characteristics of this rhetoric is that it accords no importance to existing social conditions, assuming that equipping people with computers will suffice to leapfrog them into the technological world of economic opportunities. This article critically reviews the main ideas presented by the proponents of this position in Africa and shows why there is a need for a more cautious approach to the question, without rejecting the promis...
In the book 'Media Across the African Diaspora: Content, Audiences, and Influence' edited... more In the book 'Media Across the African Diaspora: Content, Audiences, and Influence' edited by Banjo O.B. This article is found in the twelveth chapter on pages 204-222
ABSTRACT Some authors have recently suggested that the new features introduced in mobile phones, ... more ABSTRACT Some authors have recently suggested that the new features introduced in mobile phones, particularly the possibility to access the Internet, and the rapid expansion of these devices in Africa will help reduce the digital divide and social inequality. This paper examines those assumptions and finds that the mere possession of a technical object does not eliminate the inequalities between those who possess it, including inequalities in access related to the Internet via mobile phone (the mobile divide). Multiple levels of access still exist that are closely linked to the position agents occupy in the social space and that do vary depending on the economic, social, and cultural resources they are endowed with. Using a webero-bourdieusian framework, this paper identifies the differences existing among Nigerien users and demonstrates how they are manifested in both intensity and opportunities of use. The data for the study is drawn from various sources such as statistics from international development organizations (ITU, UNDP, IMF, etc.) and various studies and surveys concerning access to ICTs in Niger. Additional data was collected using semi-structured interviews carried out in Niamey, the capital city of Niger during the summer of 2011.
Abstract: Thank you for your interest in this graduate work published by ProQuest's ... more Abstract: Thank you for your interest in this graduate work published by ProQuest's UMI Dissertation Publishing group. This graduate work is no longer available through this web page. If you are interested in this or other dissertations and theses published by ProQuest, please try ...
The Power of Civil Society in the Middle East and North Africa, 2019
Abstract In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in th... more Abstract In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in the democratization process in Niger Republic. However, in the overwhelming majority of the studies, the focus so far has been on what happened between the end of the 1980s and after 1990. The goal of this paper is to retrace the history of the Nigerien unions from the early years of their existence to date and to show that they draw their many successes and their strength from a long experience of “political unionism” and civil society interventionism which have prevailed over sheer corporatism. The paper argues that the unions’ struggles in Niger have never been separate from the political struggles. The political context, both under colonization and following independence has indeed heavily shaped and oriented most of organized labor protest movements.
Abstract This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's blac... more Abstract This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's black identity discourse as expressed online on the websites of the diaspora of African descent. Our main questions are the following: what are the tools and symbols associated with science and technology that are being used online to express black identity? What are the online representations of black scientists and black inventors? What are the representations associated with the scientific or technological achievements of black people and their relationship to black identity? The main argument is that science and technology are given meaning within the context and in opposition to a perceived ‘’white cultural hegemony’’ which is to be countered by an identity discourse that aims to show, not only the contributions of people of "African" or "black" descent to scientific and technological progress, but also to reintegrate them into the historically constituted scientific communities. This counter rhetoric is based on the supposed ability of the Internet to (re)negotiate the meanings associated with black identity. Theoretically, the paper takes place within the structuralist-constructivist framework designed by Bourdieu. It apprehends identity constructions as the result of symbolic struggles which the purpose is to impose a vision of social divisions. Methodologically, the study is based on a qualitative analysis of the design, the content, and the impact of a sample of black diasporic websites. Keywords: science, technology, black identity, counter-discourse, websites, black transnational virtual communities.
This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in N... more This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in Niger. The study is based on a fieldwork conducted during the summer of 2003 and 2004 among Nigerien urban users of mobile phones in Niamey, the capital city. Semi-structured interviews were used to find out how people ‘experience’ the use of mobile phones in their everyday life. The author argues that the use of mobile phones in Niger is expanding women’s sphere of privacy, challenging the disintegration effects of urban life, reinforcing communal ties, changing social use of time and what Pertierra et al. (2002) call ‘discursive practices.’ The paper concludes by explaining that the popularity of mobile phones in Africa and particularly in Niger lies essentially in the manipulability and low cost of those telecommunications devices, including the fact that mobile phones do not require a certain level of literacy among the users. Key Terms: mobile phone, privacy, urban life, gendered tec...
This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language [1]... more This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language [1] presented in a Nigerien online setting, a Facebook page called “ Affaire des bebes importe s” [2] , (Herein “ Affaire des bebes importes ” is translated from French to English, and the comparable term, “Baby-trafficking scandal Facebook page,” is then used for clarity) [3] , by examining a series of events framed as “the baby-trafficking scandal”. These events gave rise to a myriad of linguistic inventions (jokes, insults, satire, cartoons, and different forms of humor). These had as their main intent an undermining of the moral authority of a political leader who was opposing the current government. The argument defended in the paper is the following: In countries like Niger, which are characterized by a fragile social cohesion and deep-seated ethnic rivalries, scandalizing adversaries through opprobrious language or extreme speech is more than an online expression of group divisions;...
This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in N... more This paper critically examines the effects of mobile phone use on relationships among people in Niger. The study is based on a fieldwork conducted during the summer of 2003 and 2004 among Nigerien urban users of mobile phones in Niamey, the capital city. Semi-structured interviews were used to find out how people ‘experience’ the use of mobile phones in their everyday life. The author argues that the use of mobile phones in Niger is expanding women’s sphere of privacy, challenging the disintegration effects of urban life, reinforcing communal ties, changing social use of time and what Pertierra et al. (2002) call ‘discursive practices.’ The paper concludes by explaining that the popularity of mobile phones in Africa and particularly in Niger lies essentially in the manipulability and low cost of those telecommunications devices, including the fact that mobile phones do not require a certain level of literacy among the users.
The Power of Civil Society in the Middle East and North Africa: Peace-building, Change, and Development,, 2019
In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in the democra... more In recent years, various authors have highlighted the role that unions have played in the democratization process in Niger Republic. However, in the overwhelming majority of the studies, the focus so far has been on what happened between the end of the 1980s and after 1990. The goal of this paper is to retrace the history of the Nigerien unions from the early years of their existence to date and to show that they draw their many successes and their strength from a long experience of “political unionism” and civil society interventionism which have prevailed over sheer corporatism. The paper argues that the unions’ struggles in Niger have never been separate from the political struggles. The political context, both under colonization and following independence has indeed heavily shaped and oriented most of organized labor protest movements.
Media Across the African Diaspora: Content, Audiences, and Influence, 2018
This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's black identity di... more This paper examines the place that science and technology occupy in today's black identity discourse as expressed online on the websites of the diaspora of African descent. Our main questions are the following: what are the tools and symbols associated with science and technology that are being used online to express black identity? What are the online representations of black scientists and black inventors? What are the representations associated with the scientific or technological achievements of black people and their relationship to black identity? The main argument is that science and technology are given meaning within the context and in opposition to a perceived ‘’white cultural hegemony’’ which is to be countered by an identity discourse that aims to show, not only the contributions of people of "African" or "black" descent to scientific and technological progress, but also to reintegrate them into the historically constituted scientific communities....
This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language 1 p... more This paper examines the nature and characteristics of extreme speech and opprobrious language 1 presented in a Nigerien online setting, a Facebook page called "Affaire des bébés importés" 2 , (Herein "Affaire des bébés importés" is translated from French to English, and the comparable term, "Baby-trafficking scandal Facebook page," is then used for clarity) 3 , by examining a series of events framed as "the baby-trafficking scandal". These events gave rise to a myriad of linguistic inventions (jokes, insults, satire, cartoons, and different forms of humor). These had as their main intent an undermining of the moral authority of a political leader who was opposing the current government. The argument defended in the paper is the following: In countries like Niger, which are characterized by a fragile social cohesion and deep-seated ethnic rivalries, scandalizing adversaries through opprobrious language or extreme speech is more than an online e...
Many multi- and bilateral agencies have integrated the promotion of information and communication... more Many multi- and bilateral agencies have integrated the promotion of information and communication technologies in Africa into their programmes. Along with African NGOs, they strongly advocate the use of ICTs by government offices, private enterprises, schools and the public. In general, groups and actors involved in such efforts share a set of dispositions and worldviews which are highly ‘modernist’ and technocentrist and characterized by a propensity to view and act in favour of exogenous ‘technological’ solutions to development problems. One of the main characteristics of this rhetoric is that it accords no importance to existing social conditions, assuming that equipping people with computers will suffice to leapfrog them into the technological world of economic opportunities. This article critically reviews the main ideas presented by the proponents of this position in Africa and shows why there is a need for a more cautious approach to the question, without rejecting the promis...
TIC et Société Le nouvel âge technologique africain?, 2020
L'avènement des TIC en Afrique peut être appréhendé comme un des stades d'évolution "normale" des... more L'avènement des TIC en Afrique peut être appréhendé comme un des stades d'évolution "normale" des technologies dans une société, et comme un stade qu'on peut qualifier de "nouvel âge technologique africain". Distinct d'autres âges technologiques sur le continent, il traduit la culture matérielle africaine telle qu'elle se manifeste aujourd'hui. Cet ouvrage identifie et analyse les multiples facettes et les traits distinctifs de ce nouvel âge technologique. Il montre comment les sociétés concernées réagissent aux changements qui les affectent suite à la mise en réseaux de toutes les sphères d'activités.
TIC et Société Le nouvel âge technologique africain ?, 2020
L'avènement des TIC en Afrique peut être appréhendé comme un des stades d'évolution "normale" des... more L'avènement des TIC en Afrique peut être appréhendé comme un des stades d'évolution "normale" des technologies dans une société, et comme un stade qu'on peut qualifier de "nouvel âge technologique africain". Distinct d'autres âges technologiques sur le continent, il traduit la culture matérielle africaine telle qu'elle se manifeste aujourd'hui. Cet ouvrage identifie et analyse les multiples facettes et les traits distinctifs de ce nouvel âge technologique. Il montre comment les sociétés concernées réagissent aux changements qui les affectent suite à la mise en réseaux de toutes les sphères d'activités.
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