Anth374 Final Project
WHAT ARE KEY CONCEPTS IN THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY?
Technology: In two readings from this semester, “Do Artifacts have Politics” by Langdon Winner and “Pressed for time” by Judy Wajcman, both discussed the use of technology and how it can reaffirm social norms.Technology is all modern practical artifices. Sociotech is when human and non-humans come together to constitute society and in the first reading stated technology favors certain social interest making techology political because it is used by humans. One example is creating overpasses that lead to certain beaches too low for public buses to get under because the buses were used mainly by low income minorities and the people in power did not want them to mix with the wealthy. I believe technology in itself is a good thing, but in the second reading it discussed how people taint the Original purpose of different technologies and that is what shapes our culture.
Racism: “Glitch Racism: Networks as Actors within Vernacular Internet Theory” by Lisa Nakamura and “Critical race and whiteness studies” by Senthorun Raj both the openness of racism on the internet. whether it’s comments on Facebook posts or “preferences” on a dating app people generally feel more free to say sexist or racist remarks. Passing for white on dating apps is viewed as a benefit because many times skin color determines your desirability among other people on the app and the darker the skin color the less desirable, but this also reflects how society functions as well. The interesting thing about social media and dating apps is that you can communicate with people anywhere around the world, but you also have a say whether or not you meet them face to face. It is easier to make hateful statements and assumptions when you are behind a screen and do not have to answer to the people you offend and disrespect directly.
Feminism: In chapter two for “Pressed for Time” by Judy Wajcman and “The Egg and the Sperm” by Emily Martin, new technology and reviewing traditional science’s take on the human body began to change how women were viewed. Inventions like the mass production of Ford automobiles gave women a little bit of freedom because they were very affordable. In the traditional sciences, when different terms or actions where gendered the “feminine traits” were viewed as less than. Not only did women fight for equality in the sciences, but they also fought for material being taught accurately and without added personal opinions. Feminism in science and technology has come a long way, but there are still barriers to break.
Online shopping: This semester we did not get to discuss this topic, but I believe this technology has transformed the lives of many people. “The Changing Shopping Culture: Internet consumer behavior” by Elif Eroglu speaks about online shopping uncovering different kinds of shoppers. People love technology because it gives them the power to choose the most convenient options for their lives, so people love online shopping because it gives the consumers the ability to shop where ever they are. Going to the mall use to be considered a social event, but now that online shopping has made an appearance, the social aspect is being neglected. Convenience, ease, and speed is what the modern world values and technology that achieves these goals will continue to be sought after.
