Technology and Social Change
What is the impact of technology on society? Many people think that our
modern society underestimates the impact of technology on people and that
we need to consider the implications more actively.
The introduction of new technology into a society brings social change, and in
fact, technology itself can be an instrument of social change. A classic
example of technology bringing about social change can be seen with the
invention of the printing press. Read page 104 and describe the negative and
positive changes brought on by this invention.
Positive
-extended the ability to read to
the masses
-people could interpret information
for themselves (eg. bible)
Negative
-skills of memorization and oral
recitation lost favour
-Roman Catholic Church lost
some of its power (Luther)
What is technology? (page 105)
The creation of tools or objects that both extend our natural abilities and
alter our social environment. It brings the possibility of both positive and
negative consequences.
Does change begin with the individual or the technology? There are many
theories of where social change originates, and people disagree about the
role of technology in creating social change. Read pages 105-107 and outline
the following theories.
Social Change Theory:
Social change is initiated by an individual person who shares an idea with
their community. If the idea is accepted, society changes to incorporate
that new idea. Some of these new ideas could be technologies. Therefore,
technology accompanies social change but is reliant on people for its creation
and maintenance.
Sociological Theory:
Social change comes from cycles of growth and decay, and from
progress. Civilizations rise and fall based on their ability to create
and adapt to new ideas and situations, eg. Roman military technology
was instrumental in its rise to power. Technology and ideology is
instrumental in social change.
Anthropological Theory:
Change and adaptation are accompanied by diffusion and acculturation
(incorporation, directed change and cultural evolution). Technology is
shared through diffusion and acculturation. Societies thrive on
stability and equilibrium and technology is a destabilizing factor –
brings about change.
Psychological Theory:
Change is brought about by the change in mental states of individuals.
Humans strive for mental stability (cognitive consistency) and for
success. Technology arises out of the human need to achieve, for
stability and to leave their mark on society.
Technological Determinism:
Change is not initiated by the individual, but by technology itself. First
developed by Thorstein Veblen. See inventions (eg. computer, TV) as taking
on a life of their own after being invented and introduced into society. TV –
created a new gathering place and method of socializing and socialization for
people. TV is the force that modifies people’s behaviour.
Conspicuous Consumption:
Publicly declaring ones wealth by purchasing luxury items. Done by
the leisure class.
Pecuniary Emulation:
Clearly demonstrating ones material wealth. Veblen believed that the
leisure class could damage society because of their desire to make
money and remove selves from constructive labour in favour of leisure.
Progressive change is technologically grounded and makes economic
sense because it increases our efficiency and because it appeals to a
large population and erodes the power base of the leisure class.