Title

International graduate training, digital inequality and professional network structure: An ego-centric social network analysis of knowledge producers at the "global South"

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Scientometrics

Abstract

Based on a face-to-face survey of 312 scientists from government research institutes and state universities in two Philippine locations - Los Baños, Laguna and Muñoz, Nueva Ecija - we examine how graduate training and digital factors shape the professional network of scientists at the "Global South." Results suggest that scientists prefer face-to-face interaction; there is no compelling evidence that digitally-mediated interaction will replace meaningful face-to-face interaction. What is evident is that among none face-to-face modes of communication a reordering maybe in progress. The effect of digital factors - expressed through advance hardware-software-user interaction skills - lies on network features pertaining to size, proportion of male and of core-based alters, and locational diversity. International graduate training and ascribed factors (gender and number of children) also configure the professional network of scientists - actors traditionally viewed as the epitome of rationality and objectivity. We argue that these factors influence knowledge production through a system of patronage and a culture that celebrates patrifocality. We forward the hypothesis that knowledge production at the "Global South" closely fits Callon's [1995] extended translation model of science. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

First Page

343

Last Page

368

DOI

10.1007/s11192-007-1936-0

Publication Date

1-1-2008

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