1 Welcome To Rural Sociology 2225 “Science, Technology and Society” Mary Grigsby Associate Professor of Rural Sociology Division of Applied Social Sciences

2 Topics of Discussion Class Business Need a syllabus? Topics Class web pages successfully? Guidelines for discussions Seating Chart Sociological Approaches to Science and Technology “George” “The New George”

3 “George” Reflect on George’s life; how was his life different from that of humans today?

Review 1. He struggled to survive. 2. He lived in fear. 3. He was usually hungry. 4. He was focused on the present and acted instinctively rather than reflecting on his behavior. 4

Review He struggled to survive. He lived on the flat plains of Africa He was hungry much of the time. He was a warm blooded hunter He was omnivorous Hunted with his fellows and they satisfied their hunger by gorging when they had protein from hunting. He lived in fear. He focused on the present and lived instinctively rather than reflecting on his behavior. 5

6 “George” and “The New George” “In his right hand, George clutched a single round stone... He felt safe now. He knew he could fend off any attack. Tomorrow he would try his luck again with his new found weapon.” -- How does this statement link with the importance of technology in the life of homo habilis?

7 “The New George” How did the blending of technology and human need change George’s life?

Review In the battle for survival in the environment in which he lived the New George with his rock weapon was on the path to becoming the dominant species on earth. The rock was a symbol of his power in confronting the dangerous world around him. Technology emerged in response to need. 8

9 Make a list of all of the technologies on which you depend. How many of them have made your life significantly easier? How many of them have made your life more complicated? Describe.

10 Key Questions Posed by Social Scientists 1. What are the costs and benefits of adopting or rejecting a particular technology? 2. In what ways is technology development affected by power relationships in society? 3. What are the best types of technologies for the economy, for the environment, for families? 4. What are the correct ethical guidelines to take in evaluating new technologies? 5. What types of decision-making processes can we expect the public to engage in as they evaluate new technologies?

11 6. What can be done and what should be done to help citizens address the complex issues involved in evaluating new technologies? 7. Can contentious public discourse erode public confidence in science and technology? If so, what actions might facilitate thoughtful and respectful decision-making about new technologies? 8. Which technologies likely will be accepted by the public and which ones likely will be rejected? Key Questions Posed by Social Scientists

12 Three core approaches “Theoretical Paradigms” Functionalism Focus on understanding how technologies can significantly affect the structure and functioning of societal institutions Conflict Focus on negative consequences of new technologies resulting for everyone or for those with less access to societal resources. Interactionism Focus on the role of human agency (choice and decision making) in shaping technology.