Impact of Mobile Phones on Integration: Case of Refugees in South Africa

Johnston, Kevin; Bacishoga, Kasky Bisimwa

doi:10.15353/joci.v9i4.3142

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The use of social media, in particular, may facilitate connectivity to family and friends in their countries of origin, although this may inhibit local participation in host countries (Kutscher and Kreb, 2018). Context-related factors and geography (Hargittai and Shafer, 2006) are important considerations, however, for network access, as well as for trust (in cell networks); country-level registration requirements might also shape phone usage (Johnston and Bacishohga, 2013).…”

Section: From Digital Divides To Social Inclusion and Layered Realitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

An institutional perspective to bridging the divide: The case of Somali women refugees fostering digital inclusion in the volatile context of urban Kenya

Ritchie

2022

New Media & Society

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This article examines the growing influence of Informational Communication Technologies (ICTs) in less certain refugee contexts and the role of civil society groups. Drawing on an empirical case study of Somali refugees in Kenya, the article explores the grassroots use of ICTs by refugee women and local socio-economic dynamics in processes of inclusion. Adopting a micro-institutional perspective, the discussion looks at the emerging influence of mobile technology on refugee women’s precarious norms related to mobility and work, and the evolution of new digital norms. The article highlights the strategic role of women’s groups and proactive group members as ‘institutional entrepreneurs’, in aiding levels of ICT adoption among group members, motivated by connection, protection and collective enterprise, with potential effects far beyond the group. In a transitory and fragile refugee context however, constraints on civil society may lead to the exclusion of more isolated populations without formal institutional support.

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Section: From Digital Divides To Social Inclusion and Layered Realitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

An institutional perspective to bridging the divide: The case of Somali women refugees fostering digital inclusion in the volatile context of urban Kenya

Ritchie

2022

New Media & Society

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“…ICTs used for sustainable livelihood is popular in the refugee context and many studies have focused on how ICT use is leverage either for providing information or through interactive mobile app to improve lives of refugees [1]. Studies on ICT use as a form of e-participation is lacking though in the refugee context.…”

Section: Sustainable Livelihoods Use Of Icts and E-participationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been emphasized in refugee studies, for example, in the role of ICTs in the integration of refugees [1] and the facilitation of social inclusion of newly resettled refugees [2]. One form of ICT usage, e-participation, "technology-facilitated citizen participation in (democratic) deliberation and decision-making" [3:408], enables the transformation and extension of participation in consultative processes and societal democracy and embodies democratic values [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

ICT-Based Participation in Support of Palestinian Refugees’ Sustainable Livelihoods: A Local Authority Perspective

Aradeh

Belle

Budree

2020

IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology

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This study investigates how e-participation could improve the livelihoods of marginalized and disadvantaged groups, in particular, refugees in the Gaza Strip in Palestine. They constantly faced problems of basic services of water supply, electricity, housing and infrastructure in their daily lives. This study was conducted from the perspective of municipalities which are local authorities which providing services and responsible to address these issues. This study used a qualitative research method by means of in-depth interviews. Thirteen interviewees from four municipalities in the Gaza Strip participated in the study and were given open-ended questions to express their views about the phenomenon. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the interview transcripts. Two theme clusters were uncovered: consequences of e-participation as increasing information and raising awareness among refugees, saving time, and long-term direct relationships with their stakeholders, and livelihood outcomes which include poverty alleviation and unemployment reduction as well as increased well-being. There are challenges that persist in e-participation implementation in the Gaza Strip including ICT infrastructure and the culture of the society. However, the findings of this study reveal evidence of the benefits of e-participation implementation and how livelihood outcomes have influence in refugee contexts.

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The Role Of Mobile Phones In The Development Of Social Capital Among Refugees In South Africa

Bacishoga

Hooper

Johnston

2016

E J Info Sys Dev Countries

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Mobile phones have been identified as possible tools to aid in refugee integration into new countries. Using a social capital theoretical lens, the role of mobile phones in the development of social capital among refugees in South Africa is explored. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 refugees in South Africa. Findings indicate that mobile phones can play an important role in the development of bridging social capital thereby aiding in the social and economic integration of refugees into the community. Mobile phones also play an important role in developing bonding and maintained social capital but these tend to be with their homeland nationals rather than the local community. Reasons for the development of the negative social capital are explored, whether they are attributable to the authorities or to the refugees themselves. Insights are provided into how mobile phones can be used to enhance the development of social capital among refugees.

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Impact of Mobile Phones on Integration: Case of Refugees in South Africa

Cited by 6 publications

References 0 publications

An institutional perspective to bridging the divide: The case of Somali women refugees fostering digital inclusion in the volatile context of urban Kenya

An institutional perspective to bridging the divide: The case of Somali women refugees fostering digital inclusion in the volatile context of urban Kenya

ICT-Based Participation in Support of Palestinian Refugees’ Sustainable Livelihoods: A Local Authority Perspective

The Role Of Mobile Phones In The Development Of Social Capital Among Refugees In South Africa

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