¶ … technology and social change, and discusses how they are related.
Ever since the prehistoric eras, technology has had a role to play in the lives of human beings. Mankind has invented and perfected means of communicating, traveling, manufacturing goods, curing ailments, growing food, constructing edifies and meeting other requirements using technology. Thus, one may claim that by means of technology, we have transformed our world (ITEA, 1996; ITEA, 2006). At present, all human activities are reliant on different machines with technological dominance being at a record level in the current era. For instance, automobiles have transformed how and where individuals live, and a colossal infrastructure encompassing roads, service stations, bridges, rules and insurance policies has developed. Technology impacts individual participation in the democratic process and successively impacts what must be taken into account for preparing pupils to actively participate in democratic societies (Crowe, 2006).
Most specifically, social change implies the involvement of a large number of individuals in group dealings and tasks which differ from the interactions and activities that their parents (or even they themselves) participated in earlier (Vago, 1992). The word 'society' may be used to describe a multifaceted network of relationship patterns wherein every member takes part to different extents. Social relationships and behaviors undergo simultaneous modification. People encounter novel scenarios that they must react to. Such scenarios reflect factors like the institution of novel methods, novel means of earning, home shifts, novel inventions, social standards and concepts (Mutekwe, 2012).
Technology, in its most rudimentary sense, may be likened to social change. Technology's sociological importance is: its value transcends the tool by a great degree. Groups' adopted technology forms set the base for their respective non-material cultures. Indeed, technology even affects how individuals think and connect with each other (Stromquist, 2005).
Discuss the impact of the personal computer, cellular phones, and the Internet on society.
Berson and Whithworth (2003) state that technology and computers' effect (as an instructional subject as well as technique) on the field of social studies is huge. Technology-oriented
Doctors use computer technology to probe the human body's internal unseen recesses for ascertaining the functioning of its many parts or for assessing whether or not an operation is required. Surgeons are able to operate on earlier-inaccessible brain regions and unborn babies (King, 1994). Microchips are a herald of ever bigger technological marvels in the future. In the academic arena, the computer persistently works wonders. Thus, nearly all-American schools have introduced the computer to pupils of all grades and taught them to type and use scientific and mathematical software applications. Quality academic programs utilize game-like teaching patterns for making pupils forget the fact that they are learning. The computer works to a profounder degree in organizations, transforming social relations (Mutekwe, 2012).
Using the three major sociological perspectives, describe the equilibrium model, the digital divide, and cultural lag in relation to these technologies and social change.
The social equilibrium theory addresses modifications transpiring in a particular segment of society, together with the adjustments required in diverse segments. The failure to ensure this may threaten social equilibrium and give rise to problems. Web users are also able to interact with other people from far-flung areas. This can generate strain disparities as the economically disadvantaged ignore particular sociological events and are geographically restricted when it comes to jobs, educational prospects, and healthcare opportunities on hand (Howard, Busch, & Sheets, 2010).
According to the conflict viewpoint, change is of critical importance owing to its need for correcting social wrongs and disparities. With the growth in web, computer, and smartphone use, some members of society believe the latter ought to be regulated on account of 'cultural lag' (defined as what occurs…
