TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL CHANGE

TECHNOLOGY – RAPID FIRE!

You have 2 minutes!

List 15 pieces of technology that has been created in the last 50 years GO!

TECHNOLOGY The creation of new tools that extend our

natural abilities and alter our social environment

Marshall McLuhan – technology is the extension of the human quality (wheel is the extension of the foot, computer is the extension of the brain)

How many “extensions” have you used in the past 24 hours? To what extent has that technology changed the social environment?

WHAT STARTS CHANGE: INDIVIDUAL OR TECHNOLOGY? Social Change Theory – examines

what factors contribute to the change in the structure of society

Many traditional theories state that change is initiated by the individual and might be in the form of technology as a response

See chart pg 106

THORNSTEIN VEBLEN – AMERICAN SOCIOLOGIST Veblen pioneered the concept of

Technological Determinism – the view that social change is initiated by technology and not necessarily the individual

Why do we hover around our TV? Computers? Cell phones?

Veblen would argue that, although these devices were created for a purpose, they have more profound effect on our lives than we might care to admit

Conspicuous Consumption – publicly demonstrating excessive wealth

Coping with Technological Change New technologies

can improve our society

They can also come with stress/anxiety for us as well!

Problems with New Technology 1. New technology can have negative side effects

– health issues, negative influences (I can learn how to make methamphetamine on youtube…)

2. Keeping up to speed with technology Future shock – dizzying orientation brought on by

premature arrival of the future How might this affect the economy? Family unit?

Income? 3. Overdependence on Technology

Technosis – overblown attachment/dependence on technology

Feel “out of touch” when they don’t check their email Phobias-additions?

Cultural Lag Theory

William Ogburn His theory describes how people deal with

change Technology is integrated into society if it

achieves three phases : invention, discovery, and diffusion Only hindered by resistance

Technology temporarily destabilizes society until it adapts

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Cultural Lag Theory

1. Invention Combining elements and materials to

form new ones Can be material inventions or social

movements (e.g. Computers, women's rights)

2. Discovery Discovering reality in a new way A combination of discovery and the right

timing can initiate social change9

Cultural Lag Theory

3. Diffusion The spread of discovery from one area to

another Accompanied by acceptance for

technology by societies

Does this process accurately describe how technology is integrated into society?

LUDDITE- person who opposes technological advancement- oppose new technology and do what they can to halt its progress 10

Technology and the Family How has the family been impacted by

technology?

If your notes, make a T-chart, outline the pros and cons of how technology impacts the family

Obviously, technology is not going anywhere. How do you/your family cope with this current change in our society?

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Technology and the Future

Evaluate the impacts of technology on education? Medicine?

How has technology affected other social structures in our society?

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