Andrés Hueso

Are technological projects reducing social inequalities and improving people's well-being? A capability approach analysis of renewable energy-based electrification projects in Cajamarca, Peru

Abstract This paper analyses four renewable energy-based electrification projects that were implemented by the non-governmental organization Practical Action in the rural area of Cajamarca, Peru. Using the capability approach, the research examines the effect of the projects on the things people value. It confirms that projects provide different benefits to the communities (reducing air pollution caused by candles and kerosene, improving access to communication through television and radio, providing the possibility of night study under appropriate light, etc.), but also detects an expansion of the capabilities in other areas not considered by the non-governmental organization such as those related to religion, leisure or community participation. However, the expansion of capabilities is different for men and women. The study reveals the limitations of interventions designed to supply technology, electrification in this particular case, which do not take into account certain elements that can make the use of technology contribute unequally to the expansion of peoples capabilities. The paper concludes that technological projects can generate inequalities, and some recommendations are presented in order to address these issues when planning interventions.

From Individuality to Collectivity: The Challenges for Technology-Oriented Development Projects

This chapter explores the contributions of the capability approach to technological aid projects implemented in small communities or villages. To achieve that objective we examine the evolution of technology-oriented development projects and the limitations of its current conceptualisation. After exploring the capability approach, we present a new framework for technology within the context of human development, the Technologies for Freedom (T4F). Throughout the chapter we introduce three case studies of power projects implemented in rural villages. The cases are funded by similar donors, and obtain the same results (ends) in the space of resources – a sufficient amount of energy for the communities. Nevertheless, the results differ in terms of processes (means) such as participation and empowerment of people. This chapter aims to show how technological artefacts (products, equipments, etc.) and organizational processes and relationships are ends of community interventions; but they also represent the means that allow people to do and to achieve whatever goals or values they regard as important, enhancing the ability of the community to help themselves to make changes happen. And, what is more important, that people can collectively become agents of change rather than being simple recipients of aid. Thus, we conclude that technology-oriented development projects can be vehicles for expanding people’s freedom (individual capabilities) but also to enhance their ability (individually and as a group) to pursue goals they consider valuable (agency).

Scrutinising the Process of Adaptation to the European Higher Education Area in a Spanish University Degree Using Power Analysis

In this article the authors explore power imbalances in a decision-making process to define the contents of a new Spanish degree adapted to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), specifically the industrial design and product development engineering degree which started in the academic year 2009/10 at the Higher Technical School of Design Engineering (ETSID) at the Technical University of Valencia (UPV). They start the article with a description of the tool they used to analyse the power issues: the power cube, developed by John Gaventa. Then, they briefly explain the process of adaptation of the Bologna Process at the UPV in general and at the ETSID in particular. They introduce the methodology used in their research by referring to the type of questions asked and the criteria used to select their informants. Subsequently, they discuss the answers, paying special attention to three aspects: the quality of participation and the quality of the process; the types of power; and the concept of education. Lastly, they propose a series of recommendations intended to improve the quality of participation in deliberative processes at university.

Embracing the complexity of policy processes in sanitation: Insights from India

Different stakeholders tried participatory approaches to boost progress in rural sanitation in India. The policy processes around these experiences, despite shaping their outcomes, remain a knowledge gap this article addresses. Evidence shows that the interests of the actors involved resulted in the national campaign being focused on construction. Therefore, participatory approaches could only be successfully introduced through networks with political champions at their centre. Moreover, political dynamics determined the success of the different introduction strategies. A better understanding of these policy processes, using analytical frameworks such as the one we propose, will lead to smarter influencing strategies in the sanitation sector.

Perspectivas y políticas sobre la juventud en desventaja en España: un análisis desde el enfoque de capacidades

With the crisis in Spain, the youth face a situation of multi-dimensional disadvantage. In this paper we analyse the perspectives of different stakeholders on this situation, as well as how these perspectives inform the design and implementation of public policies. We carried out a qualitative study with an innovative theoretical approach, the capability approach. We reviewed secondary sources and undertook 21 in-depth interviews with 21 key stakeholders. Evidences show that current policies affecting the youth have a narrow focus on job creation, overlooking the multiple disadvantages that today’s young face. This situation is aggravated by the lack of participation in definition and implementation of policies, and by partisan interests and short-term strategies.