“I love you because
your mouth knows how to yell
rebellion”
But the belief that countries can leapfrog on economic and social issues solely on the basis of technology seems optimistic. The poor can be frustratingly stubborn to an economist for failing to conform to a rational-agent model. Instead of expecting the poor to “do the right thing”, a better approach may be to design devices that fit into their lives with minimal effort. Else, despite good intentions, these programmes won’t affect meaningful change other than the addition of a shiny new toy.
But the belief that countries can leapfrog on economic and social issues solely on the basis of technology seems optimistic. The poor can be frustratingly stubborn to an economist for failing to conform to a rational-agent model. Instead of expecting the poor to “do the right thing”, a better approach may be to design devices that fit into their lives with minimal effort. Else, despite good intentions, these programmes won’t affect meaningful change other than the addition of a shiny new toy.