Social Construction of Technology (SCOT)

Definition

The Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) is a theory that suggests technology is shaped by social processes and human actions, rather than solely by technological advancements. This perspective emphasizes that the development and use of technology are influenced by social contexts, cultural values, and political factors, allowing for multiple interpretations and outcomes of the same technological artifact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SCOT posits that different social groups may interpret and use the same technology in varying ways, leading to different outcomes based on cultural or societal needs.
2. The theory highlights the role of negotiation among stakeholders in determining how a technology is developed and implemented.
3. SCOT challenges the idea that technological progress is linear or predetermined, suggesting instead that it is contingent upon specific social contexts.
4. Critics of SCOT argue that while social factors are important, they can overlook the material properties of technologies that can also shape human actions.
5. Examples often cited in SCOT discussions include the development of the bicycle, which was influenced by social norms regarding gender and transportation.

Review Questions

• How does the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) challenge traditional views of technological determinism?
  • SCOT challenges traditional views of technological determinism by arguing that technology is not an independent force shaping society. Instead, it emphasizes that social processes, cultural contexts, and human actions play a crucial role in determining how technologies are developed and used. This perspective highlights that multiple interpretations can arise from the same technology based on societal influences, contrasting with the deterministic view where technology dictates social change.
• In what ways does SCOT illustrate the importance of stakeholder negotiation in technological development?
  • SCOT illustrates the importance of stakeholder negotiation by showing how various groups with differing interests engage in discussions that shape a technology's design and implementation. For example, when developing a new piece of technology, engineers, users, policymakers, and interest groups may all have conflicting perspectives on its functionality or impact. The resolution of these conflicts through negotiation leads to a technology that reflects specific social values and needs rather than a purely technical solution.
• Evaluate how SCOT can be applied to contemporary technologies, providing an example of its relevance in today's world.
  • SCOT can be applied to contemporary technologies such as social media platforms, illustrating how their design and usage reflect societal values and conflicts. For instance, different communities may engage with social media in unique ways based on cultural norms around privacy, expression, or activism. The ongoing debates over data privacy and platform moderation show how stakeholders negotiate these issues, influencing the technology's evolution. By applying SCOT to these scenarios, we can understand that technology is not just a tool but is deeply embedded in our social fabric.

Related terms

Technological Determinism: A theory suggesting that technology develops independently and shapes society in a one-way direction, often downplaying the role of social factors.

Actor-Network Theory: A framework that examines the relationships between human and non-human actors in the creation and use of technologies, highlighting the networks that shape technological outcomes.

Social Shaping of Technology: An approach that looks at how social factors, including culture, economy, and politics, influence the design, development, and implementation of technologies.