Mobile Phone Appropriation in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro

Posted by VivianOnano on Sep 12, 2011
Author: 
Silva, Adriana de Souza e, Daniel M. Sutko, Fernando A. Salis, Claudio de Souza e Silva
Publication Type: 
Report/White paper
Publication Date: 
Mar 2011
Publication language: 
English
Abstract: 

This qualitative case study describes the social appropriation of mobile phones among low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) by asking how favela (slum) residents appropriate cell phones. Findings highlight the difficulty these populations encounter in acquiring and using cell phones due to social and economic factors, and the consequent subversive or illegal tactics used to gain access to such technology.

 

Moreover, these tactics are embedded in and exemplars of the cyclic power relationships between high- and low-income populations that constitute the unique use of mobile technologies in these Brazilian slums. The article concludes by suggesting that future research on technology in low-income communities focus instead on the relationship of people to technology rather than a dichotomization of their access or lack thereof.

Countries: 
Citation: 
Silva, Adriana de Souza e, Daniel M. Sutko, Fernando A. Salis, Claudio de Souza e Silva. "Mobile Phone Appropriation In The Favelas Of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil." (2011)
Mobile Phone Appropriation in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro data sheet 1996 Views
Author: 
Silva, Adriana de Souza e, Daniel M. Sutko, Fernando A. Salis, Claudio de Souza e Silva
Publication Type: 
Report/White paper
Publication Date: 
Mar 2011
Publication language: 
English
Abstract: 

This qualitative case study describes the social appropriation of mobile phones among low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) by asking how favela (slum) residents appropriate cell phones. Findings highlight the difficulty these populations encounter in acquiring and using cell phones due to social and economic factors, and the consequent subversive or illegal tactics used to gain access to such technology.

 

Moreover, these tactics are embedded in and exemplars of the cyclic power relationships between high- and low-income populations that constitute the unique use of mobile technologies in these Brazilian slums. The article concludes by suggesting that future research on technology in low-income communities focus instead on the relationship of people to technology rather than a dichotomization of their access or lack thereof.

Countries: 
Citation: 
Silva, Adriana de Souza e, Daniel M. Sutko, Fernando A. Salis, Claudio de Souza e Silva. "Mobile Phone Appropriation In The Favelas Of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil." (2011)

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