6. Data description
6.1.3 Use of ICTs prior to AbM
Data on the availability, usage and views of both the internet and mobile phones, among AbM members, prior to their engagement with the organisation, are described next. This data provided a basis to understand whether availability and use of these technologies has changed; how it changed, and under which circumstances that change took place.
6.1.3.1 Mobile phones
In the case of AbM, mobile phones were the only kind of ICT that was ubiquitously available for all interviewees before becoming members of AbM. Although a few interviewees have had access to computers and the internet before AbM, mobile phones were by far the most ubiquitous communication technology within AbM’s informal settlements.
All interviewees had had mobile phones for a few years before joining AbM, and all but two interviewees only used the “pay as you go” system (sometimes referred to as pre-‐
paid) as opposed to having a contract with a network provider. Interviewees described that they often bought second-‐hand phones, and replaced a phone once it was lost, stolen, or broken. Most female interviewees received their mobile phones from family members or friends. This was less the case among male interviewees who often bought new phones in instalments, or waited until they had money to upgrade an old model– but in most cases they stated having never spent much time without a
phone.166
166 Interestingly, although interviewees were not able to specifically tell me the rough dates – month or year – they acquired each phone, most of them were able to tell me the brand and model of most of
Only a few exceptions, all among younger interviewees, had paid a large amount in instalments for new and top range phones. Most interviewees owned cheap phones with basic features (voice call and SMS functionality only, as opposed to, for instance, Smartphones). At the time data was collected, only two AbM interviewees owned a Smartphone (Blackberry), and had limited internet connection through the device.167
Because of high mobile phone’s airtime tariffs, interviewees stated that they had been unable to make important calls on a regular basis, or had to save airtime credit for emergency situations.168 The vast majority of interviewees stated that before their engagement with AbM, they spent their airtime on family and friends – and in some rare cases, business contacts.
However, for some interviewees who had been involved in local CDCs, personal mobile phones were sometimes used for community related issues. For instance, these
members would be asked by residents to call the police or medical help (ambulance) on their behalf, to solve situations related to community dispute, domestic violence, or shack fires.
Two of the interviewees described using their phone to communicate with
government officials and engaging with the municipality as a result of their role in local CDCs. Usually, communication regarding problems with service provision (e.g. limited number of public toilets for residents, housing programmes and informal settlement upgrading) (AbM member 7, 2010; AbM member 12, 2010).
their past phones – and they always knew the brand and model from their first phone – describing it as a very important event in their lives.
167 More recently, some AbM leaders have been acquiring smartphones (mostly Blackberries) and due to a decrease in prices of internet connection, have been able to communicate via mobile internet tools.
168 Unemployed women interviewees, for instance, tended to be more dependent on family members to buy them airtime, whereas unemployed male interviewees never mentioned being dependent on family members to buy them airtime, and described that either AbM or the community contribute to the airtime that would be spent with AbM related activities.
The vast majority of interviewees – the few exceptions being among the youth – have solely used voice call features, and did not know how to use SMS.169 Although some services like please call me (PCM) SMS were available to them – for free – many members would not take advantage of it.170 After joining AbM, some interviewees started to use SMS, and have changed their views about its usefulness.
6.1.3.2 Computers and internet
Computers and internet were unavailable for the majority of interviewees before joining AbM. Apart from four interviewees, who had learned some basic computer skills at work or college, such as basic word processing (AbM member 12, 2010; AbM member 15, 2010; AbM member 19, 2010; AbM member 29, 2010) – but not the internet – the vast majority have never touched a computer, let alone accessed the internet.
A number of members described that computers and the internet were not part of their reality, and that they felt that they are unable to learn how to use them.. One member, for instance, explained that he used to think that computers were for “men in suits”, someone who is well-‐educated (AbM member 7, 2010). Another member presented a similar view by saying that:
“for the majority of the members, it doesn’t cross their mind to even touch a computer. For them, computers is for highly educated people” (AbM member 15, 2010).
Overall, the general perception was that computers were beyond their ability, their need, and social status. For the majority of AbM members, this perception has not changed since they joined the organisation. However, for a few members who were able to learn and access the technology through their engagement with AbM – as described next, in this Chapter – they came to realize that they were able to use and take advantage of this technology to support AbM and their work within it.
169 The only other tool used by the youth was Mxit. See appendix 8.
170 See Chapter 4, section 4.1.3.
6.2 Social context
Data collected on the social context focused on the collective processes which occur as a result of individuals joining and engaging with AbM. These include, for instance, events, interactions, and the social environment.
Collective processes consist of communication processes, including opportunities and frequency of interactions, sharing and respecting views, feelings and emotions (Lawler and Thye, 1999; Lucio-‐Villegas, 2009). Data described below looks at the
communication processes that occur either face-‐to-‐face or mediated through ICTs – i.e.
mobile phones and the internet. Emphasis is placed on the content, that is the
meaning and information which is exchanged (Castells, 2009; Coyne and Parker, 2006), as well as bonds, relationships, interactions, and transactions (van Dijk, 2005) between members and non-‐members of AbM.
The description differentiates between two levels of engagement by AbM members:
local and organisational. The local level relates to communication processes that occur within and regarding issues related to members’ respective communities (informal settlements). For instance, requesting AbM support to prevent evictions affecting that particular informal settlement; organising a community meeting, and etc. Local level communication processes are mostly based on face-‐to-‐face exchanges.
The organisational level relates to communication processes, and issues, that go beyond a particular informal settlement. It includes, for instance, AbM’s organisational structure, activities, issues affecting different informal settlements, media, and
supporters. Members, who engage in communication process at the organisational level, might make use of both face-‐to-‐face and some ICT mediated channels (see below).