Debating Theories of Determinism: Technology and the Production of

Difference

“The more technological a society became, the more uniform its cultural life.”

Pre-fabricated houses epitomized standardization, yet technology empowered homeowners to showcase individuality.

“The use of the internet strengthened and spread cultural values rather than undermining them.”“The use of the internet strengthened and spread cultural values rather than undermining them.”

“Creolization” vs “Merger”

Discussion• Do you agree or disagree with Nye's arguments?

• Do the advancements in technology lead to a homogeneous society?

• What are some other examples of mass production or technology advances that do or don't lead to uniformity?

Credits Photo and Video Credits:• choose determinism by alyceobvious: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alycesantoro/3249319122

• 1940 Ford Assembly Line, by aldenjewell: http://www.flickr.com/photos/autohistorian/4198925882

• Levittown by zscottt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx6JSJ3l-qg&feature=related

• Happy village girl using laptop with mother, brother and grandfather, by Gawrav Sinha, Getty Images

• The entire world is at my fingertips, by veo_: http://www.flickr.com/photos/veo/493198575

Sources Nye, D. E. (2006). Technology and the production of difference. American Quarterly, 58.3, 597-618. Pugsley, P. C., & Sima, Y. (2010). The rise of a 'me culture' in postsocialist China: youth, individualism and identity

creation in the blogosphere. International Communication Gazette, 72, 287-306. Potter, A. (2006, January 16). Newsflash: cool's out. Maclean's, 119(3), 8-8.

Lara Underhill May 3 Presentation, University of Washington Contact: Lara.Underhill@gmail.com