Sociological Viewpoints on Technology: General Assumptions and Framework

Abstract

This article explores the general assumptions and conceptual framework of technology from the perspective of sociology. It attempts to discuss the ‘technological determinism’ and ‘social determinism’ of technology in the creation of systems, structures, social-cultural and the technological construction of reality. The present discourse on technology tends to be based on the perspective of technological determinism. However, contrary to mainstream thinking, this article suggests that we need to explore how society and culture (social determinism) impact on technology development. It explores the social realities and construction of technology in Malaysia’s social context, and reviews the hidden but dynamic human forces embedded in the approach of technological determinism which, in itself is a social construction of reality.

ABSTRAK

Makalah ini meneliti andaian umum dan kerangka konseptual teknologi daripada sudut sosiologi. Penulis berusaha membincangkan ‘determinisme teknologi’ dan ‘determinisme sosial’ teknologi yang diambilkira dalam pembentukan sistem, struktur, sosio-budaya dan pembinaan realiti berasaskan teknologi. Wacana yang terdapat kini berkaitan teknologi cenderung berasaskan perspektif determinisme teknologi. Walau bagaimanapun, berbeza daripada pemikiran arus perdana, makalah ini mencadangkan bahawa kita perlu meneliti bagaimana masyarakat dan budaya (determinisme sosial) memberi kesan terhadap kemajuan teknologi. Makalah ini meneliti realiti sosial dan pembinaan teknologi dalam konteks sosial Malaysia, dan review human forces yang dinamik, tetapi tersembunyi dalam pendekatan determinisme teknologi, yang sendirinya merupakan satu pembinaan sosial mengenai realiti.