MDSA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Qwerty, Frankfurt School, Wiebe Bijker
Document Summary
Chapter 6: communication technology and society: theory and practice. Perspectives on technology: technology from the greek techne, meaning art, craft, or skill, technology is embedded socially, culturally, politically, and economically, the cyborg metaphor emphasizes how humans and human activity articulate with technologies. Deskilling: the process by which previously skilled jobs are broken into a series of tasks that can be performed by semi-skilled or unskilled workers. Scientific management: the study and implementation of methods to maximize the efficiency of workers" contributions to production processes. Instrumentalism: views technology is a value-neutral tool that helps us achieve our goals more effectively. Technology is simply a means to an end, and can be used for whatever purpose we choose. Technology is simply a tool for our use: technological determinism: the notion that technology is an autonomous and powerful driving force in structuring society or elements of society. We have become slaves to technology and our desire for greater efficiency and control.
