Internet Technology and Scientists In Post-Apartheid South Africa: Race As a Decisive Factor

Internet technology is an indispensable tool in scientific research. Prior research confirms the importance of professional activities, professional networks, scientific collaboration and the internet among scientists, academics and researchers. In other words, professional activities, networks and collaboration are relevant epistemic strategies in both the short- and long-term objectives of knowledge production. Variations in these strategies are possible across different categories such as race and gender. Involving academics and scientists (n=204) from sampled institutions in post-apartheid South Africa, this study examines how the use of technology by people in different racial categories influences their epistemic strategies of professional activities, networks and scientific collaboration.