The Cultural Roots of Technology

1074 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Implications of technology on society

“A technology evolves within a culture and its particular demands and preoccupations, intertwined with that society’s particular environment (Teresi, 356)”. As the human race and daily life becomes more advanced, there are times when it becomes necessary to consider the variables that influence our society. These variables-religion, tradition, environment, etc. - make up the culture of a society. New technologies are created when the people living in a particular society feel that one of these variables needs to be expanded upon or changed (Discovery Channel, Feb. 11). A particularly relevant example is the United States Space program. The space program grew out of the Cold War in the 1960’s. The technological needs of this effort, specifically small computers, heat resistant ceramics, radio communication, and power cells lead to the products and devices that we enjoy today.

Societies, with their specific cultural needs, influenced the development of their own technology. For example, the Chinese in ninth century A.D. were fascinated with perfumes, noxious bombs, explosions, gases, and smoke. They burned incense and fumigated their houses for health as well as spiritual reasons. In the Chinese culture, smoke and loud explosions were connected to the spiritual and supernatural world. Chinese priests invented gunpowder by combining charcoal, saltpeter, and sulfur. Their military-centered society saw the advantages gunpowder gave them in battle situations as well. The Chinese were the first to invent land mines, fire lances, and grenades. When Europeans learned about gunpowder, they began experimenting (Teresi, 355-56). Before long, cannons and guns were invented and warfare would never be the same aga...

... middle of paper ...

... purposes, would the history of war have changed? It is probable that gunpowder would have eventually been invented, but who would have discovered it and when? What was their culture like; would the smoke and fumes make them feel connected to supernatural beings or would gunpowder strictly be used for war? Just like the space program created cultural needs and wants over fifty years ago, culture continues to be the driving force for technological developments.

Sources

Chant, Colin, "Chapter 2: Greece" in Pre-industrial Cities and Technology, Routledge Press, 1999, pp. 48-80.

Ehrlich, Paul R., "Ch.11: Gods, Dive-Bombers, and Bureaucracy" in Human Natures: Genes Cultures, and the Human Prospect, Island Press, 2000, pp. 253-279.

Teresi, Dick, Lost Discoveries: The ancient roots of modern science, Simon and Schuster, 2002, ISBN 0-684-83718-8, pp. 325-367.

Show More
Related

  • Technological Advancements of World War !

    980 Words  | 2 Pages

    Technology made war even more bloody and destructive than it already was. Works Cited for: Duffy, Michael. First World War.com - Weapons of War: Poison Gas. " First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One.

    Read More

  • War from the 16th Century to the Invention of Gunpowder

    2083 Words  | 5 Pages

    The invention of the powerful artillery guns would change man’s role in warring engagements. The artillery guns at first were very limited by their own design. The guns were very heavy and had to be transported by water, which meant that only towns and fortresses that were close to a body of water could be attacked with artillery also known as the cannon. There were also some fortresses that were impervious to the early cannon attacks based on strong designs or natural defenses. The French were able to penetrate the round shaped castles and large walls during the late 1400s by using concentrated fire of several small guns instead of a few large ones.

    Read More

  • Elder Abuse Essay

    1697 Words  | 4 Pages

    This essay will start by explaining what is elder abuse and the different types of abuse and the kinds of patterns that exist. It will acknowledge the positions that elder people can be in that make them vulnerable in society and the dangers of these. It will also look at the report of protecting our future 2002 and looks at their responsibilities and how ways they help prevent elder abuse. Then in turn it will explain the policy developments since the publication of the protecting our future 2002 and recommendations that need to be implemented to ensure the prevention of elder abuse of the review 2009. It also will state some of the actions following the report and how efficient that is on how to prevent elder abuse.

    Read More

  • Elder Abuse: A Growing Threat in the Boomer Generation

    2008 Words  | 5 Pages

    Every American should have the right to live free from the fear of abuse. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. The National Center on Elder Abuse Administration on Aging (NCEA) stated, “In the United States, the 2010 Census recorded the greatest number and proportion of people age 65 and older in all of decennial census history: 40.3 million, or 13% of the total population. This “Boomer Generation” effect will continue for decades”. This suggests that with the population of elders increasing, the abuse of elders will grow much higher. Elder abuse if defined as intentionally causing harm to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or someone they trust. There are five main types of abuse; Physical, sexual, neglect, emotional or psychological

    Read More

  • Elder abuse

    3058 Words  | 7 Pages

    Elders in the United States should not have to go through situations of abuse like the one Mildred Mortenson suffered. However, this type of situations happen more often than they should and sadly, there is not enough being done to prevent it. Elder abuse should be recognized as an increasing and very serious problem in our society. As elders grow more physically frail and begin to depend on others to meet their basic needs, they tend to become vulnerable to intentional abuse and neglect within their own home as well as assisted living facilities such as nursing homes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to know exactly how many elders are being abused across the Nation. Due to under-reporting, variations in the definition of elder abuse, and the lack of a uniform reporting system, it is difficult to determine the gravity of this issue causing the problem to remain hidden. However, researchers have reported that “According to the best available estimates, between 1 and 2 million Americans age 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection” (Elder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in an Aging America). The disturbing situation on elder abuse that the nation is currently facing can be prevented if the government, associations, and assisted living facilities provide effective interventions.

    Read More

  • The Rise of Elder Abuse

    593 Words  | 2 Pages

    Within the next 20 years the population of older adults will likely outnumber the population of children in this country. The combination of this swiftly increasing population and the latest assessments of the increasing rate of established cases of elder abuse suggest that the issue of elder abuse will continue to grow without significant means for deterrence and intermediation. Due to age-related declines in cognitive functioning and other vulnerabilities such as difficulties with mobility, isolation, medication, and dependence, older adults are uniquely attractive to criminal predators (Lindberg, Sabatino, & Blancato, 2011). Elder financial exploitation is an especially cumbersome matter to address because of difficulties in identifying complex financial transactions as unauthorized (Greenlee, 2012). According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute (2011) the estimated national cost of financial exploitation of older adults was around $2.9 billion in 2009. Additionally, there are many forensic challenges to identifying and prosecuting cases of elder abuse or neglect in terms of mental and physical competence and the ability to give consent (Greenlee, 2012). There are insufficient programs to address the distinct problems of older victims and essentially “Elder abuse is robbing older adults of their safety, their health, and their financial resources” (Greenlee, 2012, p. 7).

    Read More

  • Elder Abuse in Healthcare Settings: An Unseen Crisis

    1586 Words  | 4 Pages

    According to the Nation Council on Aging (NCOA), “approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and up have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abuse each year.” More specifically, a study based in New York estimated that 260,00 (1 in 13) older adults in the state of New York were victims of at least one form of elder abuse in the preceding year. The study revealed that major financial exploitation was self-reported at a rate of 41 per 1,000 surveyed, which was higher than self-reported rates o emotional, physical and sexual abuse or neglect. (NCEA, 2016). But, sadly with all of the issues of abuse only 1 in 14 cases of abuse get reported to authorities (NCOA, 2017). These situations of abuse are happening by both men and women, with 60% of the abuse performed by family members (NCOA, 2017). The population of elderly is increasing every year and with the elder being the most vulnerable we need to put an end to the incidences of abuse. Now that we have a better understanding of the prevalence and different forms of elder abuse that are present in our healthcare system, there is a question of why these things happen to elders specifically. Why are elderly patients subjected to these forms of

    Read More

  • Elder Abuse

    683 Words  | 2 Pages

    Elder abuse suffered at the hands of family members is quickly becoming a major societal problem that requires immediate attention. The American Psychological Association estimates that nearly two million older adults suffer some type of abuse, typically at the hands of family (Fleck & Schmidt, p. 2). However, this number is most likely a gross underestimate as many elderly victims choose not to come forward and report the crime fearing the impact it will have on the family relationship. More people are living longer today than ever before. As a result, family members are taxed with the responsibility of providing care to this expanding population and most are ill prepared for the burden it can create in one’s daily life. The stress this additional role brings can, in some cases, result in abuse toward the elderly individual (Linzer, p.165-66). Elder abuse can take many forms. It may be physical, emotional or sexual; psychological, financial and material exploitation and neglect and abandonment of the older victim (Corey Et Al, p. 251). Whichever form the abuse takes, the impact on the victim is devastating. It is not uncommon for the abused to be left suffering with depression, a sense of helplessness, fear, shame and low self-esteem (Linzer, p. 166).

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Elderly Abuse

    733 Words  | 2 Pages

    Media attention of elderly abuse usually refers to the incidents of abuse in nursing or assisted care facilities. Although the prevalence of elderly abuse in nursing homes in America may suggest that nursing homes are a common source of elderly abuse, the data on abuse suggests that in most cases the abuse is inflicted by a family member or well trusted individual. The growing number of elderly over the age of 65 does have an impact on the rate of incidence of abuse in assisted care facilities. The number of elderly in nursing homes is increasing “3.2 million Americans resided in nursing homes during 2008” (National Center on Elder Abuse, 2014) And “in 2009, the National Center for Assisted Living reported that over 900,000 people nationwide lived in assisted living settings”( National Center on Elder Abuse, 2014). Data suggests one in three nursing homes have reported incidence of abuse. Studies of abuse show that the elderly abused in nursing homes only count for a small fraction of the number of elderly who suffer abuse. These statistics stated, it is clear to see the prevalence of elderly abuse.

    Read More

  • Abuse Of Elder Abuse

    1489 Words  | 3 Pages

    The mistreatment of older adults is found throughout all “socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups in the United States and across the globe” (Touhy & Jett, 2012). It can be seen in any kind of family and in many different settings, as well. Because of the heightened awareness of this problem, the United States implemented numerous acts to mandate the crisis. In 1992, United States Congress passed the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act and the Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Act which mandated a close examination of the problem. In 2001, the National Summit on Elder Abuse in the United States was held to discover ways to protect abused elders (Touhy & Jett, 2012). Since then, a worldwide understanding and awareness has been recognized and countries are looking for a resolution.

    Read More

  • Essay On European Imperialism

    1445 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gunpowder was first used by the Chinese to light fireworks. Gunpowder changed the way people will fight in wars forever. It was used in artillery and hand-held guns. Instead of using arrows, people could easily shoot a gun. Early guns were lit by a match and therefore it took a long time to light the match. Gunpowder was also used in bombs. The mixture consisted of charcoal and iron pieces. The bombs would then be catapulted forward to the enemy and then explode. BY the late 1300s, gunpowder had reached the European nations and was used in the French and English military.

    Read More

  • The Roles of Greek and Roman Women

    1663 Words  | 4 Pages

    Frost, Frank J. "Greek Society in the Age of Polis" (5th Edition) Pages 92, 93

    Read More

  • Revolution In The Military Affair Dbq

    767 Words  | 2 Pages

    The rapid advancement of multiple technologies in Europe and in various states led to the invention of gunpowder which was a fuel to drive the further big military changes. Gunpowder artillery is one of them which brought the ability to demolish castles and fortified towns as they no longer gave the protection from attackers. As gunpowder artillery goes spread the military tactics of countries had seen drastic modifications as the use of this weapon gave more opportunities to win a battle. The technology was not limited with only this gunpowder artillery but also led to the invention of the flintlock which was a far better substitute weapon to the matchlock. This weapon brought big changes in military and warfare in Europe like gunpowder artillery. For example, the European fusiliers had learned the skill and tactic to deal with heavy cavalry through the utilization of the flintlock which brought an end to the existence of the pikemen. Also, this led to an increase in the use of firepower and manoeuvrability as well as a decline in the importance of cavalry. As a result of expanding the drill amongst troops by the transformation from matchlock to the flintlocks there emerged an increased number of the best trained and most-drilled troops who were distinctively better other armies. For example, at the battle of

    Read More

  • Elder Abuse

    1465 Words  | 3 Pages

    The National Research Council reports abuse as: an intentional action of any physical act that cause pain or injury, inflicting emotional distress/psychological harm, sexual harassment, financial exploitation and neglect (Bonnie & Wallace, 2003, pg.35). As elders are aging, they become more vulnerable to mistreatment due to arise health condition, such as cognitive impairment and physical decline. Due to the lack of data collecting agency and the absence of National US report, it is a continuum debate over the accuracy and statistics of elder abuse incidents. National Academy of science reported that only 1 out of 14 abuse cases are classified for a further investigation and only 1 out 24 cases gets reported. According to the “Census Bureau”, as of 2010 people 65 year ˃ has ↑ to a 13%...

    Read More

  • Influence of Culture on Human Technology

    1396 Words  | 3 Pages

    The influence that culture has had on human technology is undeniable. One could even go as far as to say that sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish between the two. The term “culture” is extremely difficult to define because of the vast array of meanings that people attach to it. For this very reason, it is imperative to examine the most basic notion of culture, namely: “the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought” (as taken from www.dictionary.com). Given this definition, it seems reasonable to conclude that human technologies fall under the category of “all other products of human work and thought”. Yet, although human technologies are closely linked to culture, we must draw certain distinctions between the two.

    Read More

More about The Cultural Roots of Technology

Open Document