Technology and Society Reader Case Studies [Paperback]

These case studies illustrate the mutual, reciprocal impact of technology on one hand and the social sciences, including government policy, on the other. The text suggests that advanced technology is not always compatible with the different settings in emerging societies with other geographic, economic, social, cultural, and political environments.This reader presents case studies from a number of sources that illustrate the mutual, reciprocal impact of technology on one hand and the social sciences, including government policy, on the other. Along the way, the introductory text and cases suggest that advanced technology (high tech) is not always compatible with the different settings in emerging societies with other geographic, economic, social, cultural, and political environments. This may be a delicate message to convey with reference to both civilian and military technology, whose spinoffs may be significant. In the frequent controversy on this issue, it is useful to remember that at the end of the day, both private and public decisions are made by individuals who bring their own baggage to the decision-making process. The fact that technology has made the world more of a global village and transparent, and thus technological diffusion and transfer easier, is also contextually relevant. But whatever technologys downsides, emphasized in this work, admittedly technology has generally (though not universally) helped raise both the worlds standard of living and its quality of life.PrefaceIntroductionCases1. Community Cannery and Poultry Breeding, Turkey2. Water for the Village of Magyikwan, Burma (Myanmar)3. Barrio Imas Prostitute Rehabilitation, Costa Rica4. Lake Victoria-Mara Windmills, Tanzania5. Salawe Pump, Tanzania6. Single Side Band Radio Communication System, Papua New Guinea7. Sugar Syrup Technology, Ghana8. Textile Visual Materials, Ghana and Sudan9. Tetanus Vaccination10. The Baby Killer: Formula Milk11. Papa China (Taro) Project, Colombia12. Comml.