Technologies of Refuge and Displacement: Rethinking Digital Divides

by Linda Leung

Overview

The book explores the role of technology in the refugee experience, focusing particularly on the contexts of displacement and detention. Traversing the disciplines of refugee studies, socio-technical studies and technology design, it speaks to academics, students, and practitioners working and studying in those areas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498500029
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	08/24/2018
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Linda Leung is associate professor and honorary associate at the University of Technology Sydney.

Table of Contents

Part I: Introduction 1. What’s Technology Got to Do with Refugees? 2. Background & Methodology 3. Digital Divides: A Review of Literature Part II: Digital Dichotomies 4. Netizens and Asylum Seekers as Cultural Citizens 5. Technological and Social Determinism Part III: Alternative Models 6. The Strength of Weak Ties 7. Actor Network Theory 8. Hierarchies of Technology Literacy Part IV: Practices and Principles 9. Accessibility: Moving Beyond the Disability Paradigm 10. User-Centred Design 11. UCD Principles in Practice Conclusion Bibliography Index About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Using empirical data from surveys and interviews with refugees, this stimulating book interrogates and deconstructs the narrative of a singular digital divide, and allows for greater complexity in understanding the relationship between technology and forced migration.

Giorgia Dona

Dr. Leung's pioneering book explores the relationship between global population movements and emerging digital technologies. It provides insights based on empirical work relevant to scholars from a wide range of disciplines including refugee and development studies, STS and technology design, as well as to policy-makers, planners and refugee groups themselves.

Nod Miller

Grounded in empirical research that centers refugee voices, Leung’s book challenges notions of technological ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ Multiple ways in which refugees utilise technology, often against the odds, reveal resourcefulness, innovation, and agency. This book will make a major contribution to scholars and practitioners in refugee studies, social sciences, and technology.

Linda Briskman