“The development of new technologies greatly affects our work, our culture, and the very way in which we understand the world. As such, the concentration of the ownership and control of technological innovation presents a fundamental challenge to our democratic institutions. Often. We overlook the tremendous potential which could result from the creative application of science. Understanding Technological Change provides a valuable framework by which to examine the dynamics behind the technological innovations which are changing our lives.”-- Jean-Claude Parrot, President, Canadian Unionof Postal Workers
“This book is very original and one of the best ever produced on the subject. It is truly interdisciplinary… a rare combination of true scholarship with great skill and presentation.”--Christopher Freeman, author of The Economics of Industrial Innovation
“A pioneer attempt to look at technical ways of making and doing things… it regards technology as a collection of knowledge… as a cultural and institutional element in its own right. And it attempts to see how all these interact- affecting how we live, work, think, play, and pray… heightens our understanding of just how we “produce” technology and how technology in turn helps to “produce” our lives.”--Melvin Kranzberg, past editor, Technology & Culture
“Readable, interesting, and informative… based on the thesis that social organizations choose techniques which reinforce them. “We do not have to assume a passive role in the drama of technical change: we can write the script”… argues the case persuasively, making extensive reference to specific instances of technological innovation.”--Patricia Marchak, Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia
“An indispensable guide to understanding technology, labour, and culture in the Canadian context! Accessible, thoroughly documented, and highly original.”--Arthur Kroker, editor, Canadian Journal of Political & Social Theory
Chris DeBresson holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Paris. He teaches economics at Concordia University and is research professor at the Centre for Research on the Development of Industry and Technology (CREDIT) in Montreal.
Table of Contents
Preface
I. Technical Changes and Society
Chapter 1 Beyond the Buzz Words
Chapter 2 Social Forces Behind Technological Change
Chapter 3 The Socially Contested Outcome
Chapter 4 The Case of Computers and Semiconductors
Chapter 5 Learning by Working
Chapter 6 Technical Constraints
Chapter 7 The Driving Force of Economic Necessity
Chapter 8 Technique Allied With Science
Chapter 9 The Projection of Values
Chapter 10 Social Control and Politics
Chapter 11 Status Seeking
Chapter 12 Combination of Factors
Chapter 13 Long Periods of Technical Diffusion
III. Criticism and Proposals For Change
Chapter 14 The Way We Think
Chapter 15 Choosing Technical Directions for Society
Appendix: The Best Labour Initiatives
272 pages, index, illustrated
Paperback ISBN: 0-920057-27-6 $19.99
Hardcover ISBN: 0-920057-26-8 $48.99
1987
