Integrative Paper 1: Science, technology, and poverty/inequality
Science, especially the technological innovations of the past few decades, has undeniably
uplifted and improved the general way of life for nearly everyone around the world. It has
enhanced productivity, advanced economic growth, fast-tracked the sharing of knowledge and
dissemination of information, and increased access to services nearly everywhere. These are
evident in the things we see in our day-to-day lives. As pointed out by both Bozeman and Kleinman
in their respective papers, science and technology have become central to the lives of people today.
However, in their papers, it can be observed that these disciplines may have significantly
contributed to a looming problem in society even before modern times, social inequality. Social
inequality is defined as the condition wherein there is unequal access to the valued resources,
services, and benefits in a society (Blackburn, 2008). It usually results from biases and prejudices
in inter-social treatment that makes its way towards policy making bodies in society. Although this
is rampant in modern society, science and technology as a significant contributor to these is less
known by many.
Bozeman and Kleinman’s publication centered around the inequality and the poverty that
are consequent to the advancement of science and technology over the years. Bozeman argues that
social inequality, especially the gap between the richest elite and the others, is made worse by
science and technology through making the rich richer and the poor poorer. It was stated that this
was due to the poor planning and execution of science and technology-related policies. The
benefactors of these policies would depend on socio-economic and purchasing power of citizens.
He states that with the innovations of technology, those in the lower tiers of the wealth pyramid.
With this, it is observed that innovations from science and technology promotes inequality and
poverty by reinforcing these and widening the gap. Kleinman’s publication talked more about
scientism and the social and political aspects of science and technology. Although more observable
in the economy, innovations of science and technology also shaped a lot in society and in politics.
In the Philippines, most policies are geared towards the upper echelon of people whether
we like to admit it or not. Scientific innovations that make their way into politics are more often
used to advance the positions and wealth of those already in power. With the readings in mind,
policy making in the country should be changed. Inclusive innovations and undone science
frameworks must be people-minded. A lot of research and preparation must be done in order to
predict the consequences of these frameworks to the masses when they are executed. It should also
have the goal of minimizing the inequality that is currently present. This can be done through
public and private collaboration.
Bibliography
Blackburn, R.M. (2008). What is social inequality?. International Journal of Sociology and Social
Policy. Vol. 28 No. 7/8, pp. 250-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330810890664
Bozeman, B. (2020). Public Value Science Bozeman Issues in S&T July 2020 I.
Kleinman, D. L. (2005). Science and Technology in society: From biotechnology to the internet.
Blackwell Pub.