The Aura of "High Tech" in A World of Messy Practice

Bibliographic Data

ID2276901
AuthorsKathryn Henderson (0000-0001-8857-9317, Texas A&M University, corresponding author)
Year1998
Volume39
Issue4
Pages645-672
Publication date1998-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0253 • E-ISSN: 1533-8525
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1533-8525.1998.tb00522.x
OpenAlexW1971164639
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited66

This study employs interlocking analytical devices from the perspectives of several disciplines to explore members' meanings through definitions of “high technology” given by workers in design engineering. The comparative analysis employs concepts from art history, sociology of culture, anthropology and science studies to explore the appeal of “high technology” in comparison with the aura of original artworks and the status accrued by symbolic tools. Additionally, the role standardization has played in the development of engineering as a profession is explored in historical context as are the recurring themes of speed and “the new.” The findings reveal that how engineers use new technologies in the world of messy practice and their conceptual framework regarding so-called “high technology” do not map well onto one another. The study illustrates the perspective of science and technology studies that views all technology as socially shaped and society shaping, its construction accomplished through messy patched-up practices rather than clean, linear paths or perfect techniques

Appeal · Context (archaeology) · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · High tech · Perspective (graphical) · Political science · Sociology · TRACE (psycholinguistics) · Computer Science · Cultural Industries and Urban Development · Engineering · History · Innovative Education and Learning Practices · Law · Management and Organizational Studies