Chapter 14: Science and Technology “We have arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster. We might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later this combustible mixture of ignorance and power is going to blow up in our faces.” —Carl Sagan, astronomer and astrobiologist

Chapter Outline The Global Context: The Technological Revolution The Global Context: The Technological Revolution Sociological Theories of Science and Technology Sociological Theories of Science and Technology Technology and the Transformation of Society Technology and the Transformation of Society Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Understanding Science and Technology Understanding Science and Technology

Science and Technology Introduction Science Science The process of discovering, explaining, and predicting natural or social phenomena. The process of discovering, explaining, and predicting natural or social phenomena. Technology Technology Activities that apply the principles of science and mechanics to the solutions of a specific problem. Activities that apply the principles of science and mechanics to the solutions of a specific problem.

Science and Technology Introduction Automation Automation Dominant in an industrial society, the replacement of human labor with machinery and equipment that is self-operating. Dominant in an industrial society, the replacement of human labor with machinery and equipment that is self-operating. Mechanization Mechanization Dominant in an agricultural society, the use of tools to accomplish tasks previously done by hand. Dominant in an agricultural society, the use of tools to accomplish tasks previously done by hand. Cybernation Cybernation Dominant in a postindustrial society; the use of machines to control other machines. Dominant in a postindustrial society; the use of machines to control other machines.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution The world is a much smaller place than it used to be, and it will become even smaller as the technological revolution continues. The world is a much smaller place than it used to be, and it will become even smaller as the technological revolution continues. In 2011, the Internet had 2.1 billion users in more than 200 countries with 240 million users in the United States. In 2011, the Internet had 2.1 billion users in more than 200 countries with 240 million users in the United States.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution Although the penetration rate, i.e., the percentage of people who have access to and use the Internet in a particular area, is higher in industrialized countries, there is some movement toward the Internet becoming a truly global medium as Africans, Middle Easterners, and Latin Americans increasingly “get online.” Although the penetration rate, i.e., the percentage of people who have access to and use the Internet in a particular area, is higher in industrialized countries, there is some movement toward the Internet becoming a truly global medium as Africans, Middle Easterners, and Latin Americans increasingly “get online.” For example, although Internet use in the United States grew 152 percent between 2000 and 2010, the number of Internet users in Nigeria increased by 21,891 percent during the same time period. For example, although Internet use in the United States grew 152 percent between 2000 and 2010, the number of Internet users in Nigeria increased by 21,891 percent during the same time period.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution The United States leads the world in science and technology, although there is some evidence that we are falling behind. In 2011, the United States, when compared to 44 other countries and regions: The United States leads the world in science and technology, although there is some evidence that we are falling behind. In 2011, the United States, when compared to 44 other countries and regions: Ranked 4th overall in global competitiveness behind Singapore, Finland, and Sweden. Ranked 4th overall in global competitiveness behind Singapore, Finland, and Sweden. Ranked 6th in the rate of science and technology researchers but 39th in the increase of science and technology researchers between 1999 and Ranked 6th in the rate of science and technology researchers but 39th in the increase of science and technology researchers between 1999 and Ranked 14th in the number and quality of science and technology publications but 36th in the increase in the number and quality of science and technology publications between 1996 and Ranked 14th in the number and quality of science and technology publications but 36th in the increase in the number and quality of science and technology publications between 1996 and Ranked 5th in corporate investments in information technology but 21st in the increase in corporate investment in information technology between 1999 and Ranked 5th in corporate investments in information technology but 21st in the increase in corporate investment in information technology between 1999 and Ranked 11th in broadband telecommunications, but 21st in the increase in broadband telecommunications between 2002 and Ranked 11th in broadband telecommunications, but 21st in the increase in broadband telecommunications between 2002 and 2009.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution The decline of U.S. supremacy in science and technology is likely to be the result of several interacting forces: The decline of U.S. supremacy in science and technology is likely to be the result of several interacting forces: First, the federal government has been scaling back its investment in research and development. First, the federal government has been scaling back its investment in research and development. Second, corporations, the largest contributors to research and development, have begun to focus on short-term products and higher profits as pressure from stockholders mounts. Second, corporations, the largest contributors to research and development, have begun to focus on short-term products and higher profits as pressure from stockholders mounts.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution Decline of U.S. Supremacy Cont’d: Decline of U.S. Supremacy Cont’d: Third, developing countries, most notably China and India, are expanding their scientific and technological capabilities at a faster rate. Third, developing countries, most notably China and India, are expanding their scientific and technological capabilities at a faster rate. Fourth, there has been a drop in science and math education in U.S. schools, both in terms of quality and quantity. Fourth, there has been a drop in science and math education in U.S. schools, both in terms of quality and quantity. STEM: An acronym for science technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM: An acronym for science technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution

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The Global Context: The Technological Revolution Postmodernism and the Technological Fix Postmodernism is the view that rational thinking and science are limited in their ability to provide “truths.” Postmodernism is the view that rational thinking and science are limited in their ability to provide “truths.” Many people think social problems can be resolved through a technological fix: Many people think social problems can be resolved through a technological fix: A social engineer might approach a water shortage by asking people to use less water. A social engineer might approach a water shortage by asking people to use less water. A technologist would develop new technologies to increase the water supply. A technologist would develop new technologies to increase the water supply.

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution Postmodernism and the Technological Fix

The Global Context: The Technological Revolution

Sociological Theories of Science and Technology Structural-Functionalist Perspective Science fulfills the need for an assumed objective measure of truth. Science fulfills the need for an assumed objective measure of truth. If society changes too rapidly, problems may emerge. If society changes too rapidly, problems may emerge. Cultural lag is a condition in which the material part of culture changes faster than the nonmaterial part. Cultural lag is a condition in which the material part of culture changes faster than the nonmaterial part.

Sociological Theories of Science and Technology Conflict Perspective Technological advances are motivated by profit. Technological advances are motivated by profit. Funding of research is determined by dominant groups. Funding of research is determined by dominant groups. Science and technology also further the interests of dominant groups to the detriment of others. Science and technology also further the interests of dominant groups to the detriment of others. Finally, conflict theorists as well as feminists argue that technology is an extension of the patriarchal nature of society that promotes the interests of men and ignores the needs and interests of women. Finally, conflict theorists as well as feminists argue that technology is an extension of the patriarchal nature of society that promotes the interests of men and ignores the needs and interests of women.

Sociological Theories of Science and Technology Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Knowledge is relative, it changes over time and between societies. Knowledge is relative, it changes over time and between societies. Scientific “truths” are socially constructed and result from interactions between scientists, researchers, and the public. Scientific “truths” are socially constructed and result from interactions between scientists, researchers, and the public. Who becomes involved in what aspects of science and technology is socially defined. Who becomes involved in what aspects of science and technology is socially defined.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Technology and the Workplace Some technology lessens the need for supervisors and makes control by employers easier. Some technology lessens the need for supervisors and makes control by employers easier. Technology can also make workers more accountable by gathering information about their performance. Technology can also make workers more accountable by gathering information about their performance. Technology is also changing the location of work. Technology is also changing the location of work. Telecommuting has increased as the result of several interacting social forces over time. Telecommuting has increased as the result of several interacting social forces over time. Telepresencing, a much more technologically sophisticated version of teleconferencing, allows life- sized participants in the virtual presence of one another to realistically communicate through broadcast quality sound and images. Telepresencing, a much more technologically sophisticated version of teleconferencing, allows life- sized participants in the virtual presence of one another to realistically communicate through broadcast quality sound and images.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Technology and the Workplace

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Technology and the Transformation of Society Technology and the Workplace Robotic technology has also revolutionized work. Robotic technology has also revolutionized work. Ninety percent of robots work in factories, and more than half of these are used in heavy industry, such as automobile manufacturing. Ninety percent of robots work in factories, and more than half of these are used in heavy industry, such as automobile manufacturing. Technology has also changed the nature of work. Technology has also changed the nature of work.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Technology and the Workplace

Technology and the Transformation of Society The Computer Revolution Americans are more likely to use computers at home rather than at work. Americans are more likely to use computers at home rather than at work. As with computer use in general, computer use in these two locations is associated with demographic variables. As with computer use in general, computer use in these two locations is associated with demographic variables. With the exception of age (computer use at home is highest for 15- to 24-year-olds, whereas computer use at work is highest for 35- to 44-year-olds), computer use at home and at work follows the same pattern of overall computer use. With the exception of age (computer use at home is highest for 15- to 24-year-olds, whereas computer use at work is highest for 35- to 44-year-olds), computer use at home and at work follows the same pattern of overall computer use.

Technology and the Transformation of Society The Computer Revolution More than 76.6 percent of American households own computers. More than 76.6 percent of American households own computers. Desktop ownership has decreased since 2006, and the proportion of Americans who own laptop computers has increased from 30 percent to 52 percent between 2006 and Desktop ownership has decreased since 2006, and the proportion of Americans who own laptop computers has increased from 30 percent to 52 percent between 2006 and Globally, Israel has the highest rate of computer ownership (122 computers for every 100 people), and Honduras has one of the lowest, with just 2.5 computers for every 100 people. Globally, Israel has the highest rate of computer ownership (122 computers for every 100 people), and Honduras has one of the lowest, with just 2.5 computers for every 100 people.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet Information and communication technology, or ICT, refers to any technology that carries information. Information and communication technology, or ICT, refers to any technology that carries information. The concept of an “information society” dates back to the 1950s, when an economist identified a work sector he called “the production and distribution of knowledge.” The concept of an “information society” dates back to the 1950s, when an economist identified a work sector he called “the production and distribution of knowledge.” In 1958, 31 percent of the labor force was employed in this sector—today, more than 50 percent is. In 1958, 31 percent of the labor force was employed in this sector—today, more than 50 percent is.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet

The internet is the international information infrastructure (a network of networks) available through universities, research institutes, government agencies, and businesses. The internet is the international information infrastructure (a network of networks) available through universities, research institutes, government agencies, and businesses. Web 2.0 is a platform for millions of users to express themselves online in the common areas of cyberspace. Web 2.0 is a platform for millions of users to express themselves online in the common areas of cyberspace.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. Despite a slowdown in the economy, or perhaps because of it, online business-to-customer sales increased 2.1 percent between 2008 and 2009, and now represent 47 percent of all retail sales in the United States Despite a slowdown in the economy, or perhaps because of it, online business-to-customer sales increased 2.1 percent between 2008 and 2009, and now represent 47 percent of all retail sales in the United States

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Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet Health and Digital Medicine Health and Digital Medicine The Internet acts as the third most likely source of health information preceded only by health professionals, and friends or family members The Internet acts as the third most likely source of health information preceded only by health professionals, and friends or family members Most online searches result in useful information that affects health care decisions, including decisions about seeing a doctor, how to deal with a specific disease, and diet and exercise information. Most online searches result in useful information that affects health care decisions, including decisions about seeing a doctor, how to deal with a specific disease, and diet and exercise information.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet The Search for Knowledge and Information: The Search for Knowledge and Information: The Internet, perhaps more than any other technology, is the foundation of the information society. The Internet, perhaps more than any other technology, is the foundation of the information society. There is concern, however, that the very way in which the “Google generation” reads, thinks, and approaches problems has been altered by the new technology. There is concern, however, that the very way in which the “Google generation” reads, thinks, and approaches problems has been altered by the new technology.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet Games and Entertainment Games and Entertainment – Over half of all Americans play video games, although less than a quarter play video games online; – Only 9 percent play massive multiplayer online games (MMOG) such as World of Warcraft, and less than 2 percent have visited a virtual world such as Second Life (Lenhart 2008). – Video games are big business, a $25.1 billion industry in 2010.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet

Politics and e-Government Politics and e-Government Technology is changing the world of politics. In 2010, approximately 73 percent of U.S. adult Internet users went online to find news or information about the 2010 midterm elections, or to send or receive political messages through , instant messaging, Twitter, and the like. Technology is changing the world of politics. In 2010, approximately 73 percent of U.S. adult Internet users went online to find news or information about the 2010 midterm elections, or to send or receive political messages through , instant messaging, Twitter, and the like.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Information and Communication Technology and the Internet Social Networking and Blogging Social Networking and Blogging Social network sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) and blogs comprise a sector of the Internet called membership communities. Membership communities have changed in recent years in three substantively significant ways. Social network sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) and blogs comprise a sector of the Internet called membership communities. Membership communities have changed in recent years in three substantively significant ways. 1.First, the number of people who visit membership communities has increased. In 2010, Facebook topped 500 million members around the world. 2.Second, the amount of time members spend at a membership community site has grown dramatically. 3.Finally, who joins membership communities is changing.

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Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Genetics Genetics Molecular biology has led to a greater understanding of the genetic material found in all cells, DNA, and with it the ability for genetic screening. Molecular biology has led to a greater understanding of the genetic material found in all cells, DNA, and with it the ability for genetic screening. Gene therapy involves identifying defective or missing genes to get a healthy duplicate and transplant it to the affected cell. Gene therapy involves identifying defective or missing genes to get a healthy duplicate and transplant it to the affected cell. Genetic engineering is the ability to manipulate and alter the genes of an organism. Genetic engineering is the ability to manipulate and alter the genes of an organism.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Food and Biotechnology Food and Biotechnology Genetic engineering is the ability to manipulate the genes of an organism in such a way that the natural outcome is altered. Genetic engineering is the ability to manipulate the genes of an organism in such a way that the natural outcome is altered. Genetically modified (GM) food, also known as genetically engineered food, and genetically modified organisms involve this process of DNA recombination—scientists transferring genes from one plant into the genetic code of another plant. Genetically modified (GM) food, also known as genetically engineered food, and genetically modified organisms involve this process of DNA recombination—scientists transferring genes from one plant into the genetic code of another plant. In the United States, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are in an estimated 80 percent of all packaged food sold in the United States and Canada. In the United States, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are in an estimated 80 percent of all packaged food sold in the United States and Canada.

Genetically Engineered Food

Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Reproductive Technologies: Reproductive Technologies: The evolution of “reproductive science” has been furthered by scientific developments in biology, medicine, and agriculture. The evolution of “reproductive science” has been furthered by scientific developments in biology, medicine, and agriculture. In in-vitro fertilization (IVF), an egg and a sperm are united in a laboratory dish or test tube. In in-vitro fertilization (IVF), an egg and a sperm are united in a laboratory dish or test tube.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Abortion: The removal of an embryo or fetus from a woman’s uterus before it can survive on its own. Abortion: The removal of an embryo or fetus from a woman’s uterus before it can survive on its own. Intact dilation and extraction (D&X) abortions. Intact dilation and extraction (D&X) abortions. Opponents refer to them as partial birth abortions because the limbs and the torso are delivered before the fetus has expired. Opponents refer to them as partial birth abortions because the limbs and the torso are delivered before the fetus has expired. Performed because the fetus has a serious defect, the woman’s health is jeopardized or both. Performed because the fetus has a serious defect, the woman’s health is jeopardized or both.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Abortion: Abortion: Of the estimated 208 million pregnancies in 2008, 40 percent are unintended; 33 million (16 percent) resulted in unintended births; and 41 million ended in abortions (20 percent). Of the estimated 208 million pregnancies in 2008, 40 percent are unintended; 33 million (16 percent) resulted in unintended births; and 41 million ended in abortions (20 percent). The lowest abortion rate in the world is in western Europe. The lowest abortion rate in the world is in western Europe. The rate of abortions is declining worldwide The rate of abortions is declining worldwide Five million women are hospitalized each year, and another 70,000 die from complications associated with unsafe abortions. Five million women are hospitalized each year, and another 70,000 die from complications associated with unsafe abortions. Contraception use has increased in many parts of the world. Contraception use has increased in many parts of the world.

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Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Abortion: Abortion: Most recent debates concern intact dilation and extraction (D & E) abortions, which often take place in the second trimester of pregnancy. Most recent debates concern intact dilation and extraction (D & E) abortions, which often take place in the second trimester of pregnancy. Opponents refer to such abortions as partial birth abortions because the limbs and the torso are typically delivered before the fetus has expired. Opponents refer to such abortions as partial birth abortions because the limbs and the torso are typically delivered before the fetus has expired.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology

Therapeutic Cloning Therapeutic Cloning Uses stem cells from human embryos. Uses stem cells from human embryos. Stem cells can produce any type of cell in the human body. Stem cells can produce any type of cell in the human body. Stem cells have been used for repairing spinal cord injuries in mice, allowing them to walk normally. Stem cells have been used for repairing spinal cord injuries in mice, allowing them to walk normally. Because the use of stem cells can entail the destruction of human embryos, many conservatives, including President Bush, are opposed to the practice. Because the use of stem cells can entail the destruction of human embryos, many conservatives, including President Bush, are opposed to the practice.

Technology and the Transformation of Society Science and Biotechnology Stem Cell Research Stem Cell Research Christopher Reeve, stage and movie actor best known for his portrayal of Superman, was a longtime advocate of federally funded research on embryonic stem cells. Christopher Reeve, stage and movie actor best known for his portrayal of Superman, was a longtime advocate of federally funded research on embryonic stem cells. He died on October 10, 2004, at the age of 52. He died on October 10, 2004, at the age of 52.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Social Relationships, Social Networking, and Social Interaction Technology affects social relationships and the nature of social interaction. Technology affects social relationships and the nature of social interaction. The development of telephones has led to fewer visits with friends and relatives; with the advent of DVRs, cable television, and video streaming, the number of places where social life occurs (e.g., movie theaters) has declined. The development of telephones has led to fewer visits with friends and relatives; with the advent of DVRs, cable television, and video streaming, the number of places where social life occurs (e.g., movie theaters) has declined. Even the nature of dating has changed as computer networks facilitate instant messaging, cyberdates, and “private” chat rooms. As technology increases, social relationships and human interaction are transformed. Even the nature of dating has changed as computer networks facilitate instant messaging, cyberdates, and “private” chat rooms. As technology increases, social relationships and human interaction are transformed.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Social Relationships, Social Networking, and Social Interaction Although technology can bring people together, it can also isolate them from each other. Although technology can bring people together, it can also isolate them from each other. For example, children who use a home computer “spend much less time on sports and outdoor activities than non-computer users.” For example, children who use a home computer “spend much less time on sports and outdoor activities than non-computer users.” A study of more than 1,500 U.S. Internet users between the ages of 18 and 64 found that, for every hour a respondent was on the Internet, there was a corresponding 23.5-minute reduction in face-to-face interaction with family members. A study of more than 1,500 U.S. Internet users between the ages of 18 and 64 found that, for every hour a respondent was on the Internet, there was a corresponding 23.5-minute reduction in face-to-face interaction with family members.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Social Relationships, Social Networking, and Social Interaction

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Loss of Privacy and Security Schools, employers, and the government are increasingly using technology to monitor individuals’ performance and behavior. Schools, employers, and the government are increasingly using technology to monitor individuals’ performance and behavior. In 2010, identity theft was the number-one complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission for the 11th year in a row. In 2010, identity theft was the number-one complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission for the 11th year in a row.

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Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Unemployment, Immigration, and Outsourcing Some technologies replace human workers—robots replace factory workers, word processors displace secretaries and typists, and computer-assisted diagnostics reduce the need for automobile mechanics. Some technologies replace human workers—robots replace factory workers, word processors displace secretaries and typists, and computer-assisted diagnostics reduce the need for automobile mechanics. Unemployment rates can also increase when companies outsource (sometimes called off-shore) jobs to lower-wage countries. Unemployment rates can also increase when companies outsource (sometimes called off-shore) jobs to lower-wage countries.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology The Digital Divide One of the most significant social problems associated with science and technology is the increased division between the classes. One of the most significant social problems associated with science and technology is the increased division between the classes. The fear that technology will produce a “virtual elite” is not uncommon. Several theorists hypothesize that, as technology displaces workers—most notably the unskilled and uneducated—certain classes of people will be irreparably disadvantaged—the poor, minorities, and women. The fear that technology will produce a “virtual elite” is not uncommon. Several theorists hypothesize that, as technology displaces workers—most notably the unskilled and uneducated—certain classes of people will be irreparably disadvantaged—the poor, minorities, and women.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology The Digital Divide

Racial and ethnic minorities’ lack of access to computers and the Internet, although signaling a type of digital divide, may be less common than what researchers are now calling the participation gap. Racial and ethnic minorities’ lack of access to computers and the Internet, although signaling a type of digital divide, may be less common than what researchers are now calling the participation gap. Concern over accessibility to broadband connectivity has led to a debate over net neutrality. Net neutrality advocates hold that Internet users should be able to visit any website and access any content without Internet service providers (ISP) (e.g., cable or telephone companies) acting as gatekeepers by controlling, for example, the speed of downloads. Concern over accessibility to broadband connectivity has led to a debate over net neutrality. Net neutrality advocates hold that Internet users should be able to visit any website and access any content without Internet service providers (ISP) (e.g., cable or telephone companies) acting as gatekeepers by controlling, for example, the speed of downloads.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Mental and Physical Health Youth between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes a day consuming some type of media, and because more than one medium can be consumed at a time, the actual total exposure to media per day is 10 hours and 45 minutes (Kaiser Family Foundation 2010). Youth between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes a day consuming some type of media, and because more than one medium can be consumed at a time, the actual total exposure to media per day is 10 hours and 45 minutes (Kaiser Family Foundation 2010). Media consumption of all types, except for reading, have increased over the last decade, and heavier media consumption is associated with lower levels of reported personal contentment, boredom, having fewer friends, and not being happy at school. Media consumption of all types, except for reading, have increased over the last decade, and heavier media consumption is associated with lower levels of reported personal contentment, boredom, having fewer friends, and not being happy at school.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Mental and Physical Health It’s not just behavior patterns that are altered by technology use. Research indicates that technology can be dangerous. It’s not just behavior patterns that are altered by technology use. Research indicates that technology can be dangerous. Drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to cause an accident as those who do not use cell phones and as likely to cause a crash as a legally drunk driver. Drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to cause an accident as those who do not use cell phones and as likely to cause a crash as a legally drunk driver. Further, the multi-tasking that is associated with technology is linked to distraction, a false sense of urgency, and the inability to focus. Further, the multi-tasking that is associated with technology is linked to distraction, a false sense of urgency, and the inability to focus.

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Mental and Physical Health

Societal Consequences of Science and Technology Malicious Use of the Internet Internet piracy entails illegally downloading or distributing copyrighted material (e.g., music, games, or software). Internet piracy entails illegally downloading or distributing copyrighted material (e.g., music, games, or software). Malware is a general term that includes any spyware, crimeware, worms, viruses, and adware that is installed on owners’ computers without their knowledge. Malware is a general term that includes any spyware, crimeware, worms, viruses, and adware that is installed on owners’ computers without their knowledge. Cyber-bullying refers to the use of electronic devices (e.g., websites, , instant messaging, or text messaging) to send or post negative or hurtful messages or images about an individual or a group. Cyber-bullying refers to the use of electronic devices (e.g., websites, , instant messaging, or text messaging) to send or post negative or hurtful messages or images about an individual or a group.

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Societal Consequences of Science and Technology The Challenge to Traditional Values and Beliefs Technological innovations and scientific discoveries often challenge traditionally held values and beliefs, in part because they enable people to achieve goals that were previously unobtainable. Technological innovations and scientific discoveries often challenge traditionally held values and beliefs, in part because they enable people to achieve goals that were previously unobtainable. Toffler (1970) coined the term future shock to describe the confusion resulting from rapid scientific and technological changes that unravel our traditional values and beliefs. Toffler (1970) coined the term future shock to describe the confusion resulting from rapid scientific and technological changes that unravel our traditional values and beliefs.

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Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Science, Ethics, and the Law Science and its resulting technologies alter the culture of society through the challenging of traditional values. Science and its resulting technologies alter the culture of society through the challenging of traditional values. Genetic exception laws require that genetic information be handled separately from other medical information leading to what is sometimes called patient shadow files. Genetic exception laws require that genetic information be handled separately from other medical information leading to what is sometimes called patient shadow files.

Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Science, Ethics, and the Law

Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Technology and Corporate America The development of genetically altered crops, the commodification of women as egg donors, and the harvesting of regenerated organ tissues are all examples of potentially market-driven technologies. The development of genetically altered crops, the commodification of women as egg donors, and the harvesting of regenerated organ tissues are all examples of potentially market-driven technologies. Gene Monopolies: Exclusive control over a particular gene as a result of government patents. Gene Monopolies: Exclusive control over a particular gene as a result of government patents. The commercialization of technology causes several other concerns, including issues of quality control and the tendency for discoveries to remain closely guarded secrets rather than collaborative efforts. The commercialization of technology causes several other concerns, including issues of quality control and the tendency for discoveries to remain closely guarded secrets rather than collaborative efforts.

Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Runaway Science and Government Policy Science and technology raise many public policy issues. Science and technology raise many public policy issues. Policy decisions, for example, address concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants, the privacy of electronic mail, the hazards of chemical warfare, and the ethics of cloning. Policy decisions, for example, address concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants, the privacy of electronic mail, the hazards of chemical warfare, and the ethics of cloning.

Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Runaway Science and Government Policy The government, often through Congress, regulatory agencies, or departments, prohibits the use of some technologies (e.g., assisted-suicide devices) and requires others (e.g., seat belts). The government, often through Congress, regulatory agencies, or departments, prohibits the use of some technologies (e.g., assisted-suicide devices) and requires others (e.g., seat belts). For example, in 2011, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that For example, in 2011, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that (1) supports the use of embryonic stem cells, including human embryonic stems cells, (1) supports the use of embryonic stem cells, including human embryonic stems cells, (2) defines the types of human embryonic stem cells eligible for use in research (e.g., donated from IVF clinics), (2) defines the types of human embryonic stem cells eligible for use in research (e.g., donated from IVF clinics), (3) mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services maintain, review, and update guidelines in support of human stem cell research, and (3) mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services maintain, review, and update guidelines in support of human stem cell research, and (4) prohibits public funds be used for human cloning (Stem Cell Research Advancement Act 2011). (4) prohibits public funds be used for human cloning (Stem Cell Research Advancement Act 2011).

Strategies for Action: Controlling Science and Technology Runaway Science and Government Policy

Understanding Science and Technology As society’s needs change, scientific discoveries and technological innovations emerge to meet these needs, thereby serving the functions of the whole. As society’s needs change, scientific discoveries and technological innovations emerge to meet these needs, thereby serving the functions of the whole. Research indicates that science and the resulting technologies have both negative and positive consequences—a technological dualism. Research indicates that science and the resulting technologies have both negative and positive consequences—a technological dualism. Weighing the costs and benefits of technology poses ethical dilemmas, as does science itself. Ethics, however, “is not only concerned with individual choices and acts. Weighing the costs and benefits of technology poses ethical dilemmas, as does science itself. Ethics, however, “is not only concerned with individual choices and acts.

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Quick Quiz 1. Which level of technological development dominates agricultural societies? A.mechanization B.rationalization C.cybernation D.automation

Answer: A Mechanization dominates agricultural societies Mechanization dominates agricultural societies

Quick Quiz 2. The manipulation of the genes of an organism in such a way that the natural outcome is altered is called what? A.gene therapy B.gene splicing C.genetic engineering D.genetic screening

Answer: C The manipulation of the genes of an organism in such a way that the natural outcome is altered is called genetic engineering. The manipulation of the genes of an organism in such a way that the natural outcome is altered is called genetic engineering.

Quick Quiz 3. The increasing removal of individuals from the production process and relegating them to boring, routine, and meaningless activities promotes: A.higher morale. B.deskilling. C.a reduction in workplace activities. D.improved quality of work.

Answer: B The increasing removal of individuals from the production process and relegating them to boring, routine, and meaningless activities promotes deskilling. The increasing removal of individuals from the production process and relegating them to boring, routine, and meaningless activities promotes deskilling.

Quick Quiz 4.Science and technology furthers the interests of dominant groups to the detriment of others. This view is held by which theorists? A.conflict theorists B.structural functionalists C.symbolic interactionists D.strain theorists

Answer: A Science and technology further the interests of dominant groups to the detriment of others. This view is held by conflict theorists. Science and technology further the interests of dominant groups to the detriment of others. This view is held by conflict theorists.