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Invention and
creation of tools
make the process
of living easier
Method of
communication,
invention, or an
object that has a
practical use
1. Primitive Technology
Natural things people have adapted
for use to make such items as bows
and arrows, spears, clubs, and ploughs
pulled by draft animals
2. Industrial Technology
Machines such as the steam engine
and electrical and fuel powered
motors to run machinery
3. Informational Technology
Machines
that use a
microchip
or computer
to retrieve,
store, and
work with
information
Explanation
Explanation
Structural-functionalists:
Change occurs
gradually rather
than
dramatically
because
society thrives
on stability and
equilibrium
Impact on Technology
As societies interact, a process of cultural
sharing occurs
Often involves sharing of technology,
which in turn causes social change
While society thrives on stability, technology
tends to destabilize society
Impact on Technology
New
technology
forces society
to find a way
to overcome
instability and
create a new
equilibrium
Explanation
The mental states of individuals can
influence social change
Social-Psychological Theory states believes:
Change occurs when individuals, driven
by a need for achievement, creates
theories and inventions that improve the
ability of society to function
Impact of Technology
Impact of Technology
Explanation
Explanation
Impact of Technology
Civilizations rise and fall based on ability to
create or adapt to new ideas and situations
Technology can be instrumental in the rise
or fall of a civilization
Ex. Roman military technology
contributed to its rise and its fall
Despite some periods of regression, society
continually improves
Technology and ideology is instrumental
to social change
Physical Tools
Can reduce amount of human time and
energy needed to produce goods, and
this saves labour (Ex. Hoes, ploughs)
Physical Tools
Can allow increase number & variety of
goods to be produced from a given area
of land (Ex. Fertilizer)
Physical Tools
Can allow people to produce goods that
human labour alone could not provide
(Ex. saw used to cut down large trees)
Cultural Knowledge
a wild horse is a
physical technology,
while recognizing the
horse as a means of
transportation is
cultural knowledge
Cultural Knowledge