Aure Schrock on Politics Recoded: The Infrastructural Organizing of Code for America
Feb 24, 2025
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Aure Schrock, an interdisciplinary technology scholar and editor at Indelible Voice, dives into the evolution of Code for America. The conversation reveals how the organization shifted from a tech-forward vision to providing digital consulting services for local governments. Schrock discusses challenges in integrating technology, the significance of empathetic civic engagement, and the grassroots efforts to enhance community participation. Their insights shed light on the intricate relationship between technology and local politics, all while emphasizing the importance of effective communication and academic writing.
The concept of 'critical' has been diluted in academia, straying from its original intent to foster deep inquiry into societal norms.
The evolution of civic technology reflects a shift from networked engagement to a pragmatic form of infrastructural politics, empowering individuals to engage with government functions.
The importance of user-centered design in civic tech is underscored by projects like 'Clear My Record', emphasizing empathy and real community needs in governance.
Deep dives
The Misuse of 'Critical' in Academia
The discussion highlights how the term 'critical' has been misappropriated within humanities and social sciences, leading to its dilution and potential misunderstanding. Originally, thinkers like Immanuel Kant emphasized a reflexive investigation of reason aimed at recognizing its limitations, while later scholars of the Frankfurt School built on this to critically analyze societal norms and assumptions. However, contemporary academic practices often reduce 'critical' discussions to oversimplified narratives, primarily casting corporations against the populace. This shift not only misrepresents the true essence of critical inquiry but also hampers genuine understanding and learning about complex socio-technological dynamics.
The Shift from Networked to Infrastructural Politics
The evolution of political action from networked engagement to infrastructural politics reflects a changing landscape in civic technology, prominently seen in organizations like Code for America. Infrastructural politics positions individuals as proactive administrators who engage with digital infrastructures to address societal issues, often previously dominated by government functions. This transformation signifies a departure from the idealism associated with early networked politics, favoring a pragmatic approach that emphasizes the tangible role individuals can play in shaping their communities through engagement with governmental processes. This also highlights the duality of governance, balancing benevolence with the complexities of public administration.
The Role of Interpretive Scholarship in Civic Tech
The conversation underscores the value of interpretive scholarship, distinguishing it from critical research that often projects preconceived negative biases. Unlike critical scholars who may dismiss civic tech initiatives outright, interpretive scholars seek to understand and engage with the motivations and aspirations of individuals involved in these movements. Such an approach fosters a deeper comprehension of how civic technologies are perceived by those they aim to serve, allowing for richer insights into their potential and limitations. This highlights the importance of empathy and genuine curiosity in studying the intricate relationships between technology, politics, and community engagement.
Impact of Civic Tech on Local Governance
The narrative surrounding Code for America demonstrates both the potential benefits and shortcomings of integrating technology into local governance. While civic initiatives often promise to enhance citizen engagement and improve public services, the reality can be mixed, with many projects failing to gain traction or achieve meaningful impact. For instance, various technologies developed under Code for America's auspices saw limited adoption due to misalignment with the needs and structures of local governments. This illustrates the challenge of applying tech-oriented solutions to complex social issues that require nuanced understanding and approaches rooted in the realities of community dynamics.
Evolution Towards a Design-Centric Model
The transition of Code for America towards a design-centric model highlights the rising importance of human-centered approaches in the civic tech landscape. This shift is characterized by an emphasis on empathy and user-centered design practices, which seek to tailor solutions to the real needs of citizens rather than applying a one-size-fits-all framework. Projects like 'Clear My Record' and 'Get Cal Fresh' exemplify how design thinking can facilitate community engagement and improve service delivery, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and participatory governance model. This evolution also reveals the potential for civic tech to address broader societal challenges through innovative, empathetic designs that enhance governmental responsiveness to citizens' needs.
Politics Recoded examines the history and culture of Code for America, an organization that, as one of its leaders put it, aimed “to promote ‘civic hacking,’ and to bring 21st century technology to government.” The book describes how the organization has changed over time from a “tech-forward” vision rooted in techno-libertarianism to an organization that provides something like digital consulting services to governments. The pair also talk about Aure’s writing and editing company, the Indelible Voice, and what it’s like helping scholars refine their vision and voice in academic writing.