Decentering Science and Technology in Global Development

Engineering and scientific interventions, especially Western interventions, in societies in the majority world, can no longer be left to the scientists and engineers coming from the west or channeling western ideals. In addressing these concerns, this volume brings new thinking, new concepts, and processes and procedures from a variety of disciplines and analytical lenses. It introduces a new development practice, from education to ideation and implementation to assessment. In the chapters, the authors, some of whom are scientists and engineers, but also anthropologists, geographers, and political scientists disentangle the socio-technical relations so that we can better understand the challenges that have befallen the global majority. The authors also integrate educational examples for how to train STEM forward professionals on how they can be agents of change, while maintaining a certain level of humility. The book offers critical and compelling insights into what is wrong with current hegemonic paradigms of development and the concepts and tools we can use to advance a different direction that promotes dignity, community self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Will appeal to engineers involved in technology for society projects. Will be of interest to social scientists and policy makers who seek to push the limits technology in the public interest.