Revue des arts et des sciences sociales

When Sociotechnical Imaginations Come True: The Pandemic's Digital Transition of Public Services and Inequalities

Abstract

Seretyu Lerwe

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to accelerate the digitization of public services. The use of technology to deliver public services had long been on the horizon, but the pandemic's urgency prompted governments to fast-track their digital transition. In this article, we will explore the impact of this digital transformation on various facets of public service delivery and how it has revealed and exacerbated inequalities in society. We will delve into the concept of "sociotechnical imaginations" and examine how they have unfolded in the real world during the pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 required governments to rapidly adapt and implement digital solutions for public service delivery. It became apparent that digital technologies could play a crucial role in maintaining essential services during lockdowns and social distancing measures. Here, we will examine the digital transition in various sectors of public service.