Technological determinism or TD can be described as a reductionist framework that can be used to explore the interrelations between humans and scientific technologies. However, several scholars like Dosi (1982) preferred to develop a broader perspective on technological determinism on the basis of more intricate analysis of technology change and innovation management. According to the scholars like Mackenzie and Wajcman (1999), a major drawback of technological determinism is its rigidity which is resulted by the deterministic nature of this theory. Such an approach, as advocated by its early proponents like Thorstein Veblen, restricts is suppleness to explain the complex attributes of different social processes especially in relationship with innovation management (Tilman 2004).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Essay question
- What is social shaping theory?
- Social shaping theory in relation with technological determinism
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the relationship between social shaping theory and technological determinism, analyzing how the former emerges as a derivative of the latter. It delves into the concept of social shaping theory, examining its origins and development. The essay also investigates the interplay between social and technological factors in shaping the development and adoption of technology.
- Technological Determinism (TD) and its limitations
- Social Shaping Theory: Origins and Concepts
- The Relationship between TD and Social Shaping Theory
- Soft vs. Hard Technological Determinism
- The Role of Social Context in Technological Development
Chapter Summaries
The introduction provides a brief overview of technological determinism (TD) and its shortcomings, highlighting its deterministic nature and its inability to fully account for the complexity of social processes. It introduces the concept of social shaping theory, emphasizing its focus on the influence of social factors in technological development.
The section "What is social shaping theory?" traces the development of the theory, highlighting the contributions of Mackenzie and Wajcman (1985) and their emphasis on the role of social factors in shaping technology. It also explores the connection between social shaping theory and the work of Dosi (1982), who argued for the interplay of economic and institutional factors in technological development.
The section "Social shaping theory in relation with technological determinism" delves into the relationship between the two theories, examining different perspectives on their interconnectedness. It highlights the distinction between hard and soft versions of technological determinism and explores the role of social factors in shaping technology's effects.
Keywords
The essay revolves around key terms and concepts including technological determinism, social shaping theory, social context, technological development, innovation management, and the interplay of social and technological factors.
- Quote paper
- Arghya Ray (Author), 2010, Social Shaping Theory as a Derivative of Technological Determinism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/232792
