Technology Case Studies

Question 1

Kenyan mobile phones

Answer 1

• Mason
• used to vote for acts in music competitions
• send money through phones - source of payment
• 1 in 3 people own one

Question 2

Mobile phones in the Maasai

Answer 2

• Stephens
• just as likely to see Maasai person with phone as it is to see them with spear
• Learnt how to use them from tourists
• used in tribe to count and calculate cattle
• help women expand business + global market through communication with outside investors

Question 3

Arab Spring

Answer 3

• Eriksen et al
• ‘Facebook revolution’ + ‘Twitter rebellion’
• social media aids in attempts to overthrow governments
• eg Egypt 2010

Question 4

Egypt 2010

Answer 4

• government forced to disable Internet
• internet allow you to: share ideas, unite with others over a common cause + try out new identities less defined by gender, age, race etc (Lynch 2007)