Routledge Explorations in Development Studies

"Jack Barry has crafted an extremely important and timely work, one that sheds much-needed light on the multitude of ways ICTs can impact the lives of the poor. Supported by rich, in-depth case studies from Mexico, the book's nuanced argument on the intervening role of governance contributes significantly to our understanding of the effectiveness of development policies." -- Oksan Bayulgen, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Connecticut, USA

"Jack Barry's keen and thorough assessment of the impact of access to the Internet on the poor in the developing world more generally, and in Mexico [in particular], is indeed a novel and fascinating blend of theoretical and empirical approaches to tackling modern-day issues of democratizing information. This timely and thoughtful contribution opens up a window to the study of the policies that aim to provide Internet access to the poor, both as an effective human rights approach and an appropriate governance approach." -- Mahmood Monshipouri, Professor, San Francisco State University/UC-Berkeley, USA

"Jack Barry's argument for Internet access as a human right offers a theoretically elegant and nuanced examination of how ICTs impact governance and the subsequent consequences for poverty alleviation. Barry's work reconciles conflicting evidence on the roles of ICTs, making a critical contribution to development, governance, and poverty scholarship." -- Kristin Johnson, Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island, USA

"Jack Barry's exploration of the benefits and limitations of the Internet and mobile phones for promoting human rights will be essential reading in this emerging field of study and practice. Using quantitative data and original interview analysis, Barry's research reorients debates about the impact of ICTs toward the experiences of the users of these technologies. His analysis and policy recommendations significantly advance our understanding of how to use new information and communication technologies to combat poverty and further human rights." -- Molly K. Land, Professor of Law and Human Rights, University of Connecticut School of Law, USA

"This interdisciplinary and well-researched book provides a 'guardedly optimistic' answer to the effects of information technologies in the developing world. Barry examines issues of poverty, governance, and development from multidimensional angles including geographic and demographic variations, human rights perspectives, and a mixed-methods approach." -- J.P. Singh, George Mason University, USA