Abstract
Technological innovation is discussed in various ways in the social sciences. The impact that technologies have on shaping social relationships began to be recognized many years ago, and with the increasing pace of technological development, such discussions are increasingly relevant. However, when examining any particular innovation, it is good to keep in mind the broader context of its emergence, as otherwise incorrect conclusions may be reached. In my study, I show that with knowledge of the genesis of a particular innovation, its development, its adaptation, its negative consequences, and the institutional and social response to it, it is possible to retrospectively understand the causes that have influenced the formation of a particular fragment of social reality. Such knowledge, in turn, is already some sort of starting point for similar analyses concerning recent technological discoveries. Theory is helpful in systematising such analyses, which is why I propose the introduction of first-order technology categories. Its primary function is to identify turning points in the shared history of technological development and society in general. I am interested in developing a theoretical tool that will also enable such identification in the here and now, in relation to discoveries that are newly implemented into the social fabric. I discuss the category of first-order technology using the history of the invention and social adaptation of plastic as an example; I show how this material has contributed to the development of consumer society and how it will affect society in the future.
Presenters
Jakub BandochStudent, PhD, Doctoral School of Social Sciences, Kujawsko-pomorskie, Poland
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Social change, Innovation, Plastic, Consumerism
