Theoretical Analysis of the Relationship Between Technology and Society - Report Example

Page Number: U0905639 of East London Module IS1105 Analysis oftheoretical explanations of the relationship between technology and society 1. Introduction Technology lies at the very heart of the society, implying that it greatly influences the society in a number of ways, thus having a direct and dramatic effect on individuals’ lives. In other words, technology directly affects the society, while the society does not affect technology in any manner. There are three major theories which elaborate on the relationship between technology and society. They include: Technological determinism, social constructionism and social shaping. This report will therefore look at and expound on the three theories. In addition, some quotes will be provided as good examples of the specific theories. 2. Technological Determinism 2.1 Technological determinism is a reductionist theory which holds the assumption that a society’s technology plays a crucial role in driving the development of its social structure as well as the cultural values (McLoughlin 1999, 32). The social structures evolve as a result of adapting to the technological change. The theory also suggests that technology moves on its own course which is normally independent of the human direction. It is therefore regarded to as an autonomous system which ultimately permeates all other sub systems of a society. Technological determinism contributes to the conclusion that emergence of automated technology inevitably raises the level of skill as well as the autonomy of the work force. According to Webster (2002, 34), technological determinism is also a clear explanation of the relationship between technology and society which asserts that technology plays an important role in determining the social existence within a society. In most instances technological changes act as catalysts for societal change. The changes are either seen as literally outside the context of the society or metaphorically outside the society. In addition, the technological developments take place as a result of natural logic which is not socially or culturally determined. As a result, the developments enact change and social adaptation (McLouglin 1999, 39). 2.2 In relation to technological determinism theory, I tend to believe that quotes A and D are good examples of technological determinism. 2.3 The reason as to why I think they are perfect examples is due to the impact they have on the society and their autonomy nature. Bearing in mind that technological determinism refers to technology as an autonomous system, the quotes support the idea behind that. For example, robots are slowly being assimilated into the systems of our homes and lives whereby they will play a central role later in the century just like both the internet and combustion do now. In reference to technological determinism, the revolution of robots is autonomous and focuses on more of it. Quote D also portrays the manner in which text messaging has transformed from a technologically designed concept that the operators were reluctant to promote to a user driven service generating impressive, initially unplanned revenues for the industry. Therefore, despite the fact that the mobile operators were unwilling to develop the system, the user driven service autonomously grew and led to enormous benefits in the relevant industry. 3. Social Constructionism 3.1 Social constructionism is a sociological theory of knowledge which basically considers the manner in which social phenomena builds up in social contexts (Heap 1995: 113). The main focus of this theory is to reveal the various means in which groups and individuals put efforts in the creation of their perceived social reality. It also involves a perception into various ways in which social phenomena are created and made into tradition by humans. The theory argues that technology does not play a role in determining human actions, but rather, the human actions determines and shapes technology in the society. The theory also holds a concept that; whoever seeks to understand the reasons behind the acceptance or rejection of a technology should focus unto the social world. In addition, it formalizes the number of steps and principles which require to be followed in order to analyze the reasons for technological failure or successes (Webster 2002, 87). In relation to social constructionism theory, technological artefacts are constructed by socially formed groups, while the other relevant social groups interpret and evaluate the successes and failures. This normally results to conflicts due to the different objectives, goals and intentions each group holds. According to Heap (1995, 96), the approach purposes to open up the ‘black box’ which is related to technology by systematically portraying how the technological artefacts are culturally constructed and interpreted by different groups. Mainly through the real design of technology and the technological systems normally accomplished by the revelation that technical decisions are of great importance. The leading strength of the approach is that it questions how technology comes to be technology. By so doing, it reveals that the distinction between the social and technical is not entirely provided instead it is socially contingent and constructed. The analytical skepticism offers a methodological advantage and motivates the analysts to continuously question and challenge the indisputable knowledge of technical workers 3.2 In reference to social constructionism theory, quote B and E offers good examples of the approach as well as expounding on the approach. 3.3 The reasons why I think quote B and E are written with the perspective of social constructionism theory is due to the fact that the quote supports the fact that human action determine the change in technology. In reference to quote B, human being’s role in the transformation of technology is clearly observed. In addition, humans question how the technology comes into existence; they therefore do not seat down and wait upon any form of technology. Quote E, states that we should always be ready for any new technology advancement. In so doing, the groups of people in the society create a perception towards the social reality. Therefore, the quote supports the theory in that it calls for masses to work together so as to obtain their laid down objectives in the social context. 4. Social Shaping 4.1The social shaping approach clearly outlines the interrelationship between technology and society. It examines the contents contained in technology as well as the processes involved during innovation. The approach assumes that social shaping is vital and technological change is not necessarily governed by its own internal logic. At one point, technologies normally enforce their own politics on the individuals who continuously make use of the technologies. On the other hand, social patterns mostly enforce themselves into the design and operation of technologies (Heap 1995, 18). Central to the theory, there is the concept that there are unconscious options inherent in the design of individual systems and artefacts as well as in the trajectory of innovation programs (Webster 2002, 67). According to McLouglin (1999, 92), incase technology does not sprout out from the unfolding of a predestined logic or a single determinant, the innovation is referred to as a ‘garden of forking paths.’ The available different routes normally lead to different technological outcomes hence affecting the society or the social groups involved. The shaping process commences with the former stages of research and development. Despite the fact that invention is a slow and unpredictable process, recent extensive studies have indicated its systematic influence on technology. Invention focuses on expanding the technological system and responding to a perceived industrial relations problem. Usually, social shaping does not wind-up with invention instead it continues revolving around technology. For instance, the process of implementing a technology such as an information technology-based automation system plays a critical role in the social shaping. In reference to Heap (1995, 56), social shaping approach suggests that individuals make sense of the technology’s interaction and organization whereby social, economic and political interests are embedded into the design of the technology. 4.2 Quote C gives a good example of the social shaping theory of technology. It clearly portrays ways in which the theory has evolved. 4.3 The reason as to why I have chosen quote C as an example of social shaping theory is due to the fact that the cold war played a major role in the invention of electronics which contributed to communication advancement. In addition, many radical innovations took place as a result of the cold war. This supports social theory in that the shaping process of the invention went through stages and process which eventually resulted to the benefit of the society. In addition, the technological advances involved during the post war were not supported by ones internal logic instead they externally evolved. 5. Conclusion The relationship between technology and society is very prominent with each of it being dependent on the other in one way or another. Technology plays a significant role in shaping the society; on the other hand, the society plays a role in determining to what extent the technology is grasped as well to the level into which it is used. The three theories which portray the relationship between technology and society have explosively discussed the interrelationship between technology and society. Henceforth, providing the bases and the facts required to create the relationship. 6. Bibliography Heap, N 1995, Information technology and society: a reader, 2nd ed, Sage publishers, New York McLoughlin, I 1999, Creative technological change: the shaping of technology and Organizations, Routledge, UK. Webster, F 2002, Theories of the information society, 2nd ed, Routledge, UK. Read More