Beyond access to ICTs: Measuring capabilities in the information society

This article discusses the development paradigms linked to the idea of an information society and explains how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are seen as a means to development. The article also looks at the concept of a ‘digital divide’ and the universal access to ICT policies that are meant to address the problem. It elaborates on the limitations of how current policies address issues related to how people gain access to and use ICTs. Finally, the article proposes a model for applying Sen’s capability approach to analyze access to ICTs impact on development.

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