Technology and Society Reader

Case Studies, Revised Edition

Peter B. Heller

This reader presents case studies from a number of sources that illustrate the mutual, reciprocal impact of technology on one hand and the social sciences, including government policy, on the other. Along the way, the introductory text and cases suggest that advanced technology (high tech) is not always compatible with the different settings in emerging societies with other geographic, economic, social, cultural, and political environments. This may be a delicate message to convey with reference to both civilian and military technology, whose spinoffs may be significant. In the frequent controversy on this issue, it is useful to remember that at the end of the day, both private and public decisions are made by individuals who bring their own “baggage” to the decision-making process. The fact that technology has made the world more of a “global village” and transparent, and thus technological diffusion and transfer easier, is also contextually relevant. But whatever technology’s downsides, emphasized in this work, admittedly technology has generally (though not universally) helped raise both the world’s standard of living and its quality of life.

University Press of America

Pages: 108 •

978-0-7618-5828-7 • eBook • March 2012 • $34.00 • (£25.00)

Subjects: Technology & Engineering / Social Aspects, Political Science / Globalization, Social Science / Sociology / General, Technology & Engineering / General

Technology and Society Reader

Case Studies, Revised Edition

eBook

Summary

This reader presents case studies from a number of sources that illustrate the mutual, reciprocal impact of technology on one hand and the social sciences, including government policy, on the other. Along the way, the introductory text and cases suggest that advanced technology (high tech) is not always compatible with the different settings in emerging societies with other geographic, economic, social, cultural, and political environments. This may be a delicate message to convey with reference to both civilian and military technology, whose spinoffs may be significant. In the frequent controversy on this issue, it is useful to remember that at the end of the day, both private and public decisions are made by individuals who bring their own “baggage” to the decision-making process. The fact that technology has made the world more of a “global village” and transparent, and thus technological diffusion and transfer easier, is also contextually relevant. But whatever technology’s downsides, emphasized in this work, admittedly technology has generally (though not universally) helped raise both the world’s standard of living and its quality of life.

Details

University Press of America

Pages: 108 •

978-0-7618-5828-7 • eBook • March 2012 • $34.00 • (£25.00)

Subjects: Technology & Engineering / Social Aspects, Political Science / Globalization, Social Science / Sociology / General, Technology & Engineering / General

Author

Peter B. Heller is the product of French, British, and American education at the secondary and advanced levels. He has had a diversified work experience in the cultural, publishing, and academic fields. He is currently a professor of government and politics at Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York, and has held adjunct positions at other universities.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Cases
1. Community Cannery and Poultry Breeding, Turkey
2. Water for the Village of Magyikwan, Burma (Myanmar)
3. Barrio Imas Prostitute Rehabilitation, Costa Rica
4. Lake Victoria-Mara Windmills, Tanzania
5. Salawe Pump, Tanzania
6. Single Side Band Radio Communication System, Papua New Guinea
7. Sugar Syrup Technology, Ghana
8. Textile Visual Materials, Ghana and Sudan
9. Tetanus Vaccination
10. The Baby Killer: Formula Milk
11. Papa China (Taro) Project, Colombia
12. Communicating with Pictures, Nepal

Conclusion: Case Studies Overview
Glossary
Index
About the Author

Technology and Society Reader

Case Studies, Revised Edition

Peter B. Heller

Technology and Society Reader

Case Studies, Revised Edition

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