Abstract

This paper reviews the use of Sen’s capability approach (CA) in the field of Information and Communication Technology for development (ICT4D). While ICT4D scholars have a high regard for Sen’s CA, there is an apparent lack of knowledge on how to practically apply the CA in ICT4D. This paper investigates the gap between the theory of the CA and its application in ICT4D. It does so by identifying frameworks developed by scholars to operationalise the CA, and thereafter searching through journals with a prominent ICT4D focus to see how the CA has been used in practice. The study reveals four frameworks that have sought to operationalise the CA; however there seems to be a lack of usage of these frameworks where the CA is applied in ICT4D. This calls for further investigation as to why this mismatch exists.

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