Unit 2 Flashcards
Who is Marshall McLuhan?
He believed that technology is an extension of human quality
Who is Daniel Bell?
Believed that modern society is characterized by increased scientific and theoretical knowledge
What is the Social Change Theory?
Examines what factors contribute to the change of societal structure
What does the traditional social change theory state?
Change is initiated by the individual
What is technological determinism?
Believes that social change is initiated by technology and not the individual
What is conspicuous consumption?
Consumers who buy an expensive item to display wealth rather than to meet their actual needs
What are the 3 problems with new technology?
- New tech can have negative side effects
- Keeping up to speed with technology
- Overdependence on technology
What is Technosis?
An overblown attachment/dependency on technology.
Example: feeling “out of touch” when you don’t check your phone
What is technostress?
Reliance on technology that results in anxiety when the tech is not functioning properly
What is future shock?
A state of distress or disorientation brought on by rapid social or technological change
What is the culture lag theory and what does it cause?
Culture takes time to catch up with tech innovations and the lag causes social problems and conflicts
What are social trends?
A change in social relationships and/or societal structure
What can cause social trends?
industrialization and urbanization
What is cultural appropriation?
Taking/using things from a culture that is not yours without showing respect
What is cultural appreciation?
When elements of a culture are used while honoring/respecting the source culture
What is dystopian literature/film?
Literature/film set in the future
Critiques an aspect of current society and creates an exaggerated world in which that aspect has become the norm
What is alienation?
Alienation refers to an individuals separation from a community/group of people
What are some reasons for alienation?
Cultural conflict, discrimination and poverty
Durkheim
Certain groups experience more social integration than others
Marx
Refers to the separation of things that naturally belong together. People are alienated from the product they make and are alienated from their true inner selves.
Weber
Social values are replaced by cold utilitarian values.
Division in society is based on class but also cultural, religious and economic causes
People provoke social change when they feel isolated from society.
Fromm
Believed that capitalism is an alienating force and technology makes work routine.
Blauner
Workers who lack knowledge have high levels of alienation and vice-versa
Where might isolation stem from?
Bad relationships, deliberate choice, personal habits and mental health
