Economy over ecology: A critical study of sustainable development discourse and information technology in a non -government organization

Shivendranath Ganesh, Purdue University

Abstract

This dissertation critically examines issues of “sustainable development” and information technology in a Non-Government Organization (an NGO). Using an extended case method, I examine macrolevel discourses on “sustainable development” and information technology. Following this, I analyze the relationship between sustainable development discourse and NGO structure, and finally, I examine the manner in which the growth of new information technology is framed in the NGO. In my examination of macrolevel “sustainable development” discourse and discourses on new information technologies, I establish that they both serve to reproduce a transnational capitalist ideology. Specifically, I interpret the discourse of “sustainable development” as participating in a passive revolution and discuss how NGO discourse on information technology, even though it is seen as distinct from “regular” capitalist discourse on information technology, is eventually aligned with the same system of interests. In my analysis of the NGO itself, I discuss how “sustainable development” discourse governmentalizes the NGO by producing and reinforcing structures and policies that explicitly orient it toward transnational neoliberal ideology. This is evident in the organization's concept of itself as part of an “independent sector,” its “innovation, production and marketing networks,” and its conception of its clientele as a rural market. I also argue that governmentalization entails that the NGO exhibit a degree of collusion with and dependence upon the state in its everyday activity. Given this framework, I scrutinize information technology development at the NGO and argue that the overall market orientation of the NGO and its marketized concept of technology—as evidenced in its deployment of “appropriate technology” discourse serve to build a narcissistic view of communication and information technology. Consequently, the NGO frames its foray into information technology in terms of self-interest and enhancement rather than in terms of justice or the public interest. I also show how information technology at the NGO eventually serves to both supplement governmentality as well as provide an instantiation of its incompleteness.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Mumby, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Communication|Social structure|Public policy

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