Lateral Connectivity at the Margins

Abstract

In the so–called twilight of hierarchy, networks have been celebrated for their lateral linkages, which often lead to the development of lateral discursive spaces, especially in industries where the premium is on innovation and creativity. However, the two lateralities—technological and social—do not readily come together at the margins, and require considerable work. This article examines the efforts to translate lateral connectivity into lateral discursive space—the Tanami Network in Australia and Tribal Digital Village in the US—by native peoples, communities especially motivated to generate such spaces. These two grassroots efforts highlight facets of development such as ritual communication and liminality which are important for the intended beneficiaries, but are rarely seen in the projects designed by external experts that focus on economic development and delivery of services.