Technology and Society Social Networks, Power, and Inequality

Preface
Overview of the Book
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. The Technological Society
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Social and Ethical Dimensions of Studying Technology
Contemporary Discussions of Technology
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
2. Technology in Society: A Historical Overview
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Why Study the History of Technology
The Stone Age: The Early Beginnings of Technological Ingenuity
Ancient Technology: The Development of the Scientific Method
The Renaissance: The Awakening of the Mind through Technology
Enlightenment and Revolution: Systematic Knowledge in Action
The Industrial Revolution: Revolting against Technology
Electronic Times: Hot and Cool Media
The Information Society: The Bits and Bytes Revolution
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
3. Theoretical Perspectives on Technology
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Utopian versus Dystopian Views of Technology
Theories of Technology and Society
Science and Technology Studies (STS)
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
4. Gendered Technology
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Talking about Gender and Technology
Household Technology
Gender and IT Use and Skills
Women Working in the IT-related Fields
Technology and the Body
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
5. Techno-Social Designing
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Technological Design and How it Intersects with Society
Technopoles: Centres of Innovation
Global Technopoles
The Role of Research and Development (R&D)
Understanding the Social Millieu of Software Development
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
6. The Adoption and Diffusion of Technological Innovations
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Technological Innovations: The Process
The Classic Model of the Diffusion of Innovations
Classifying Adoption Categories
Marketing Relations with Early Adopters
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
7. The Labour of Technology
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Luddites: The Early Struggles with Technology
Technology and the Division of Labour
The Role of the Prosumer
Makerspaces: The DIY Community Gone Viral
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
8. Technology and Inequality
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Digital Divide
The Global Digital Divide
Critical Perspectives of the Digital Divide
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
9. Community in the Network Society
Learning Objectives
Introduction
What Is Community?
Social Capital and Its Relevance to Community
Revisiting Community in the Internet Era
How Is Technology Transforming the Public Sphere?
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
10. Technology-Mediated Social Relationships
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Early Beginnings of Mediated Communication
North America Calling: The Impact of the Telephone on Social Relationships
Penetration of Mediated Communication: The Impact of the Internet on Social Relationships
How Has Technology Affected Our Relationships?
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
11. The Surveillance Society
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Defining and Understanding Surveillance
Foucault's Analysis of Power Relations in Society
Technology's Role in the New Surveillance
Defining Privacy
Counter-Surveillance as a Means of Personal Resistance
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
12. Ethical Dimensions of Technology
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Book's Three Central Themes
Ethical and Moral Dimensions of our Technological Society
Electronic Waste
A Society of Overload
Conclusions
Questions for Critical Thought
Suggested Readings
Online Resources
Glossary
Notes
References
Index