Beschreibung
While there is already a huge research literature marked by the sociology
of technology, the analyses gathered in this volume try to go beyond
classical sociological approaches. Rather, the idea is that crossing
traditional boundaries will lead to new results when it comes to
understanding the effects of technologies. This idea is based on the
assumption that the implementation of technology in daily life is no
longer directly associated with binaries such as “technology – nature”,
“object – subject”, “alienated and creative activities”, “social
determination and self-determination”, “material culture and social
practices” or “interactive communication and mediated communication”. In
fact, technology gains social relevance as it is uniquely embedded into
cultural practices. So far, this argument holds especially true for
analyses within the sociology of culture, ethnomethodology and related
fields. While these fields have primarily dealt with “old” technologies
like communication skills, body performances or trained craftsmanship,
their fundamental argument should be extended to the more advanced
technologies and to the use of latest high-tech.
Christian Papilloud is an assistant professor for sociology and cultural
studies at Lüneburg University/Germany.
Kornelia Hahn is senior lecturer at Bonn University/Germany.
