Chapter 1: Understanding Technology Through Social Sciences

Examining the relationship between technology and society can be approached through various lenses, including history, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Among these, the social sciences offer a distinctive viewpoint, emphasizing the social and political ramifications of technological advancements on our communities.

The social sciences employ an array of theories, concepts, and ideas to elucidate how humans interact with technology (Adams & Sosland, p. 8). There are four primary theoretical frameworks within social sciences that analyze the relationship between technology and society: functionalism, interpretivism, critical theory, and social constructionism.

Functionalism posits that society consists of interconnected parts or institutions that work in harmony to enhance the overall social structure. It suggests that all components of society rely on one another and contribute to the greater system. This perspective maintains that social institutions are compatible and function cohesively as necessary elements of society.

Functionalism focuses on three main societal components: social institutions, occupations, and technology.

A vivid illustration of functionalism can be found in the film “Gattaca.” In this narrative, individuals are categorized into different social strata based on their genetic predispositions. Even those without genetic vulnerabilities must undergo treatments known as "fixes" to lead conventional lives. Although "fixes" are not yet a reality, the film exemplifies how emerging technologies can integrate into societal structures.

Interpretivism suggests that human actions can be understood by examining diverse perspectives. Within this framework, various theories of the technology-society relationship emerge. One such theory is the social shaping of technology, which illustrates how technological design influences people's lives (Berland & Lounsbury, p. 164).

The social shaping of technology became evident with the introduction of television, which transformed how people accessed information and altered social dynamics. Following World War II, TV became integral to daily life, impacting behavior, lifestyle, and social interactions.

A film that encapsulates this concept is “The Truman Show.” In this narrative, Truman navigates a fabricated reality crafted by the show's producers. His eventual realization of this manipulation highlights how technology has shaped his environment and the expectations of those around him.

Critical theory comprises a collection of frameworks that explore the interconnections between society, politics, and economics. It critiques the assumptions and structures that are often taken for granted in daily life (Adams & Sosland, p. 11).

A contemporary example of critical theory can be seen in the 2016 United States election, where social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat played a pivotal role. These technologies provided a space for public discourse on political candidates, illustrating how critical theory can shape societal engagement.

Social constructionism describes the process through which individuals actively shape their realities (Berland & Lounsbury, p. 161). This perspective views humans as autonomous agents who make choices based on personal preferences and interactions.

The film “Fight Club” serves as a prime example of social constructionism. The protagonist seeks to break free from a monotonous corporate life by joining an underground fight club. This group fosters a sense of belonging and establishes its own norms, challenging societal expectations.

These theoretical frameworks are crucial for comprehending the dynamics between technology and society. They illustrate how technology is socially constructed, enabling it to integrate into the fabric of society. Without social context, technology remains inert and unutilized.

Sources:

Adams, J., & Sosland, S. (2008). Technology and Society: The Four Lenses for Inquiry. “Technology and Society,” 2(2), 7–12.

Berland, G., & Lounsbury, M. (2011). Social constructionism as a theory of technology design: A review. “Review of Policy Research,” 28(2), 160–191.

Adams, J., & Sosland, S. (2008). Technology and Society: The Four Lenses for Inquiry. in Technology and Society,” 2(2), 7–12. doi:10.1891/1945–6560.2.2

For further exploration, consider historical lenses that help rethink our understanding of today's world.

Technology and Society: Historical LensTechnology as a means to control the population — written about in 1932

Technology and Society: Humanities

If you enjoyed this content, please consider supporting me by subscribing for unlimited access to articles on Medium for $5 a month or $50 per year. Thank you!