SESSION 5
(1) Social construction of technology (SCOT) framework
Periods of Intensive Debate About Tech
1. During the development / invention
phase and for a time after it initially
enters the consumer market
2. When there is some sort of spectacular
breakdown – i.e. Chernobyl Nuclear
Disaster
Invention
Marketing
Adoption,
Adaptation
Wider
Diffusion
Ubiquity
Technological
Determinism(s)
• Heilbroner – do
machines make history?
Alternatives to
• Social Constructivism:
Bijker on the history of the
bicycle
• Do artifacts have politics?
(Winner)
• Billiard-Ball Model
• Impact-Imprint Model
• Fischer’s ‘User Heuristic’
• Symptomatic Approaches
Social Construction of Technology
(SCOT)
Terms:
• Relevant Social Groups
• Interpretive Flexibility
• Closure
Social Construction of Technology
Athletic
young
men
Concerned
community
members
High
wheeled
bicycle
[Bijker on the bicycle]
The Invention of the Bicycle
Innovations
Issues
• Pedals
• Weight
• Wire spokes
• Ease of mounting
• Metal vs. wood components
• Speed
• Large front wheel
• Comfort/vibrations
• Hollow front fork
• Stability
• 3 wheels
• Maneuverability
• Detachable handlebars
• Cost
• Chain drive
• Aesthetics
• Antivibration gear
• Maintenance and repair
• Pneumatic tire
• Decency/propriety
Versions of the Bicycle
Social Construction of Technology
(SCOT)
Terms:
• Relevant Social Groups
• Interpretive Flexibility
• Closure
SCOT vs.
Fischer’s “User
Heuristic”
A more SCOT-like
representation of
a technology’s
history of
development and
diffusion
Critique of
SCOT:
Closure?
Closure?
Closure?
Closure?
Critique of
SCOT: role of
users in
shaping
technological
form
Critique of
SCOT
Administrative
Actor-Network Theory readings for
Thursday…be patient with these readings, try to
embrace the ambiguity, read for the big picture,
why is Latour’s article titled “where are the
missing masses?”
Assignment 1 to be posted on the site today