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Accepted Paper:

Differences and Connections: Ethnic Identification and Digital Use in Africa  
Sangamitra Ramachander

Paper short abstract:

Using a panel dataset comprising 36 African countries, this paper investigates whether countries where citizens identify to a greater extent with the nation rather than with a particular tribe have a greater uptake and use of digital technologies (Internet and mobile phones).

Paper long abstract:

The idea that stronger "nation-building" - as opposed to a greater ethnicity orientation - would contribute to better public goods provision (on the supply side) is not new (Miguel, 2002; Miguel and Gugerty, 2004). There is a large empirical literature that supports this view, although less consensus over the mechanisms through which the relationship operates (Habyarimana et al., 2006). It would also be reasonable to argue that on the demand side, populations with a shared sense of identity would be more likely to collaborate on digital platforms (socially, politically and economically).

Contrary to expectation, a preliminary investigation of data on 36 African countries in 2014/15 shows a statistically significant correlation between stronger tribal identification and digital use (mobile and Internet). A number of possible explanations arise: Those with a stronger ethnic identification prefer online communication due to anonymity, greater personal comfort and convenience when interacting with other tribes and this increases social and economic interactions; "intra-tribe" communication is higher among those who identify more closely with their own tribe; and the safety-related use is higher where greater tribal affiliation is high insofar as ethnic identification is associated with conflict (a view that finds mixed evidence).

Using panel data and advanced econometric methods this paper examines whether there is a causal relationship between ethnic affiliation and digital use. Given ICTs play an important role in economic progress, the study notes the effect of social stratification on economic progress due to supply side (public goods provision) and demand side (extent of use) factors.

Panel P01
The role of stratification on global inequality and sustainability
  Session 1