Social Shaping of Technological Systems

The most general definition of technology is the application of science or knowledge and many fields of science have promoted from technology. “Technology has always there been present in human society, even from its very origin and it has always been in our lives as for the first begun, the question arises however, is technology powerful enough to control the society? Or is the society the reason behind the technology advancements in recent years?” (Paschal, P, p109)This essay will attempt to show an understanding of the meaning of the theory/concept social shaping of technology. Technology development should be seen as a mixture of different elements, and technological change as a constant process, where technology and social aspects are co- shaped during the development and application of technology in society.

In social shaping of technology (SST) issues concerning technology are always of a negotiated directive in terms of how issues are raised and also how to be resolved. In case of emerging of technology it is always important to approach relations between technology and society with a focus on factor choices, and socio-technic/socio material of the research approach process. “The social shaping of technology (SST) approach examines the content of technology and processes involved in innovation this includes political, social, organisational and cultural factors in contrast to move traditional approaches which address the outcomes of technological change” (Mackenzie, D. and Wajman, J. p457). The key aspect in Mackenzie and wajman’s argument is that relation between people and their gender are what seem to shape the development of technology. Shaping of technology is about social relations and social process.

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