The Role Of Mobile Phones In The Development Of Social Capital Among Refugees In South Africa. Issue 1 (5th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bacishoga, Kasky B.; Hooper, Val A.; Johnston, Kevin A.
• Is Part Of: Electronic journal on information systems in developing countries. Volume 72:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2017-12-05
• Subjects: Refugees in South Africa -- Mobile Phones -- Social Capital -- Bridging Social Capital -- Bonding Social Capital -- Maintained Social Capital; Management information systems -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; High technology industries -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions; Economic history; High technology industries; Information technology -- Economic aspects; Information technology -- Social aspects; Management information systems; Developing countries; Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1681-4835.2016.tb00519.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1681-4835

Abstract

Abstract: Mobile phones have been identified as possible tools to aid in refugee integration into new countries. Using a social capital theoretical lens, the role of mobile phones in the development of social capital among refugees in South Africa is explored. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 refugees in South Africa. Findings indicate that mobile phones can play an important role in the development of bridging social capital thereby aiding in the social and economic integration of refugees into the community. Mobile phones also play an important role in developing bonding and maintained social capital but these tend to be with their homeland nationals rather than the local community. Reasons for the development of the negative social capital are explored, whether they are attributable to the authorities or to the refugees themselves. Insights are provided into how mobile phones can be used to enhance the development of social capital among refugees.