[Commlist] IAMCR Preconference/Special Issue Information, Communication and Society

*Call for papers*

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*IAMCR Preconference/Special Issue Information, Communication and Society*

Editor in Chief: Brian Loader

Guest Editors: Bruce Mutsvairo (University of Technology Sydney), 
Massimo Ragnedda (Northumbria University) and Kristin Skare Orgeret 
(Oslo Metropolitan University)

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*Era or Error of Transformation? Assessing Afrocentric Attributes of 
Digitalisation*

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While the continent of Africa has long been depicted as economically and 
socially underdeveloped compared with other parts of the world, the 
potential of its peoples, natural resources and nations has always been 
recognised. In recent years however, it is the transformative capacity 
of digital communications media, particularly mobile phones, for young 
urbanised populations that is seen as heralding sustainable 
socio-economic growth and political stability. This special issue of 
/Information, Communication & Society/ is intended to throw a rare and 
critical light upon these claims by examining how new media may be 
changing the everyday lives of Africans. It will also seek to understand 
the implications of these technological changes for nation-states within 
the wider geo-political context of post-colonial relations and the 
emergence of China as a major investor. What barriers, challenges or 
possibilities exist for digital literacy, human rights, democratic 
governance, business innovation and digital access? The special issue 
will address, although not exclusively, such questions as:

·Can African economic and social development leapfrog other countries by 
adopting broadband and mobile technologies?

·What possibilities are available to tame digital disparities in Africa?

·What are the implications of social media networking for gender, 
sexuality, race, class and identity politics?

·How do demographic, cultural and socio-economic inequalities influence 
the way Africans access (first level of digital divide), use (second 
level of digital divide) and benefit from ICTs (third level of digital 
divide)?

·Is there evidence for digital media transforming health care practices 
and outcomes?

·What innovative methods are being used to provide citizens with access 
to critical information, which could help improve their lives?

·Is social media influencing political engagement and activism?

·In what ways have anti-social media regulatory frameworks including 
Internet shutdowns affected citizens?

Accepted papers will be presented in an IAMCR preconference at Madrid 
2019 before being considered for publication in a special issue of 
/Information, Communication and Society/ in 2020.

Please send your abstract (between 300 and 500 words) and brief bio to 
(bruce.mutsvairo /at/ uts.edu.au) <mailto:(bruce.mutsvairo /at/ uts.edu.au)> and in 
CC, (massimo.ragnedda /at/ northumbria.ac.uk) 
<mailto:(massimo.ragnedda /at/ northumbria.ac.uk)>  and (kristo /at/ oslomet.no) 
<mailto:(kristo /at/ oslomet.no)>

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*Deadlines and important dates*

Abstract submission deadline: *15 March 2019 *

Notification on submitted abstracts: 30 March 2019

Date of Preconference: *6 July 2019*

Time: 9am

Venue: To be determined

Article submission deadline: 1 February 2020


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