Dwai Banerjee, a tenured scholar at MIT, tackles complex subjects with a distinctly human-centered approach.His work explores the intersection of technology and society, focusing on the everyday experiences of individuals navigating these evolving landscapes. Unlike many who focus solely on technological advancements,Banerjee,trained as an anthropologist,meticulously examines the profound impact of these technologies on people’s lives,a perspective increasingly vital in our tech-driven world.

Banerjee’s diverse body of work demonstrates this commitment.His research spans from the psychological impact of cancer on marginalized communities in Delhi to the past trajectory of computing in India.This breadth of inquiry reveals a consistent thread: an exploration of how individuals grapple with technological and societal shifts.

“enduring Cancer,” published in 2020, exemplifies this approach. This book delves into the lives of cancer patients in Delhi, many of whom are from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It examines the psychological and emotional toll of the disease,highlighting the ways in which a cancer diagnosis can disrupt a person’s sense of self and their place in the world.

For some, having cancer creates “a sense of being unmoored from prior certainties about oneself and one’s place in the world,”

Dwai banerjee, “Enduring Cancer”

This perspective is particularly relevant in the U.S., where access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for many. The psychological burden of diseases like cancer can be compounded by financial strain, insurance complexities, and disparities in access to treatment. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing more holistic and patient-centered approaches to healthcare.

His other 2020 book,“Hematologies,” co-authored with anthropologist Jacob Copeman,investigates cultural beliefs and perceptions surrounding blood in Indian society. this work underscores how seemingly universal biological elements are imbued with specific cultural meanings, shaping social practices and individual identities.

A Journey from Computing to the humanities

Banerjee’s path to becoming a leading STS scholar was not a straight line. He initially intended to pursue graduate studies in computer engineering but found himself drawn to the humanities and social sciences. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives in understanding the complexities of our world.

“I was going to go to graduate school for computer engineering,” Banerjee says. “Then I just fell in love with the humanities, and studied the humanities and social sciences.” His academic journey took him from the Delhi School of Economics to New York University, where he earned a PhD in cultural anthropology. this training equipped him with the methodological tools and theoretical frameworks to conduct rigorous fieldwork and analyze the cultural dimensions of technology.

His upcoming book on the history of computing in India promises to offer further insights into the interplay of technology,culture,and national identity. The book explores India’s early efforts to develop its own IT sector, a vision that ultimately gave way to the dominance of multinational corporations. This historical analysis has significant implications for understanding the dynamics of globalization and the challenges faced by developing countries in building their own technological capabilities. This narrative resonates with current debates in the U.S. concerning the balance between fostering domestic innovation and participating in the global tech economy. Policymakers and business leaders are grappling with questions of how to ensure American competitiveness while addressing concerns about job displacement and the concentration of power in the hands of a few large tech companies.

“The book traces this moment of this high confidence in the country’s ability to do these things, producing manufacturing and jobs and economic growth, and then it traces the decline of that vision,” Banerjee explains. This historical perspective is crucial for understanding the present-day landscape of the Indian IT sector, which is characterized by its role as both an exporter of skilled labor and an importer of technology.

The Moral Backbone of STS

According to Banerjee,the strength of the STS program is its “moral backbone,” and he says,“That’s the history of the field and the department at MIT,that it’s a kind of moral backbone.” This suggests a deep commitment to critically examining the ethical implications of technology. This is particularly crucial in an era defined by rapid technological change and the potential for both great progress and unforeseen consequences.

The interdisciplinary nature of STS allows scholars like Banerjee to draw on a range of perspectives, from history and anthropology to sociology and philosophy.This holistic approach is essential for understanding the complex ways in which technology shapes our lives and our world.

finding Inspiration in the Everyday

Banerjee’s research is driven by a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to understand the human condition. He finds inspiration in the lives of ordinary people, particularly those who are often marginalized or overlooked.

“‘Enduring Cancer,’ in my mind, is a sort of a traditional medical anthropology text, which came out of finding inspiration from these people, and running with it as far as I could,” Banerjee says. This commitment to understanding the experiences of disadvantaged cancer patients in Delhi reflects a broader concern for social justice and a recognition of the importance of giving voice to those who are frequently enough unheard.

his forthcoming book about computing in India was sparked by a personal connection to the early days of the internet in the country. “It’s coming from an old obsession,” Banerjee says. “When the internet had just arrived, at that time when something was just blowing up, it was exciting. This project is [partly about] recovering my early enjoyment of what was then a really exciting time.”

Banerjee’s work reminds us that technology is not simply a collection of tools and gadgets. It is a powerful force that shapes our lives in profound ways. by understanding the human dimensions of technology,we can strive to create a more just and equitable world for all.