ABSTRACT
This chapter takes up the issue of technology transfer through economic development programs. Technology is considered an essential component of development or way of fixing existing problems. People and places targeted for development processes are framed as being in need of technology transfer, while their own technological developments are considered nonexistent, or are framed as backward, traditional or antiquated. In this chapter, we focus on the production of gendered subjects “in need” of technology, and the relationship between technology, economic development and capitalism. We examine the ways in which manufacturing and information technologies have created or reinforced existing gendered divisions of labor. Biotechnologies such as human reproduction and agricultural technologies are examined in detail, followed by two case studies focusing on Cambodia and Kenya. The case studies illustrate the limits of technological advancement to truly address the problems they intend to solve, and how uses of technology can exacerbate existing social, gender and economic inequalities.
