Lesson 6: Culture and Technology
Attention
Machines have played a major role in not only changing the way we work and perform activities, but the very cultural fabric of norms, values, and expectations.
For example, let's take a look at the history of the computer...at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View California
Click the LOGO to go to the main page for the Museum
Click HERE to visit the exhibit titled..."Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing"
Be sure to view the "Topics" and "Timeline" links on this page...very cool!
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
- Identify ways in which computer technology has brought about changes to norms, values, and expectations
- Identify postive and negative aspects of technology
Teaching
Functionalist Perspectives
Their most basic assumption is that society is a stable, orderly system characterized by societal consensus
· Their most basic assumption of this perspective is that society is a stable, orderly system characterized by societal consensus.
· Society consists of interrelated parts that serve functions needed by the system.
· Societies develop social structures, or institutions that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include: the family, education, government, religion, and economy.
· Adverse consequences that affect one institution affect all others as well.
Application of the Functionalist Perspective
Consider how computer and communication technology is seen through this perspective...
Conflict Perspectives
The most basic assumption is that groups with divergent interests engage in ongoing power struggles for control of scarce resources in society. (we discussed this one in the Shoemaker story)
Application of the Conflict Perspective
Consider how computer and communication technology is seen through this perspective...
Symbolic Interactionist Perspectives
The conflict and functionalist perspectives are often criticized for their emphasis on the macrolevel.
· Macrolevel analysis examines whole societies, large-scale social structures, and social systems.
· Microlevel analysis examines small groups rather than large-scale social structures.
Application of the Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Consider how computer and communication technology is seen through this perspective...
Postmodern Perspectives
The basic idea of these perspectives is that existing theories have been unsuccessful in explaining social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by post-industrialization, consumerism, and global communications.
An information explosion and an economy in which large numbers of people either provide or apply information characterize postindustrial societies.
There is a corresponding rise of a consumer society and the emergence of a global village in which people communicate via electronic technologies.
Application of the Postmodern Perspective
Consider how computer and communication technology is seen through this perspective...
Assessment
Lesson 6 Discussion
Consider your own use of a communicaton technology. Describe, in sociological terms, how this material culture has changed your own norms, values, and expectations. Pick a perspective and discuss your technology from that perspective.