Let’s think about technology and its deep influences from the point of view of social justice.
We are used to challenging new technologies one by one, as they hit our communities and social fabrics (think about GMO’s, digital agriculture, e-communication…). In this publication, we explore our ways of thinking about technology in general and how to assess its impact at every level of our lives. We also discuss ways to ensure that technology is developed for the good of people, and not of profit.
Through this publication, we encourage a shift towards the idea that all technology is political. It is intended not to impose a framework, but to offer food for thought and to spark conversations within our movements.
Within the publication, we:
- Explore the numerous ways we can define “technology”
- Challenge the key assumptions many of us hold about technology
- Unpack the intentions behind technologies
- Discuss the ways control over technology has shifted over time
- Provide case studies of different technologies
The Politics of Technology draws on conversations between A Growing Culture; ETC Group; La Vía Campesina; the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa; the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations; and Pat Mooney. We are grateful for our partnership with Center for Story-based Strategy, and the support of The 11th Hour Project to create this work.
This booklet is now available in 6 languages:
Report (digital): English / Español / Français / Bahasa Indonesia / Hindi / Kiswahili
Report (print): English / Español / Français / Bahasa Indonesia / Hindi / Kiswahili
To explore ways to challenge food and agriculture industry narratives: read our Handbook “Autonomy in the Face of Agtech”