Sociological Viewpoints on Technology: General Assumptions and Framework

This article explores the general assumptions and conceptual framework of technology from the perspective of sociology. It attempts to discuss the ‘technological determinism’ and ‘social determinism’ of technology in the creation of systems, structures, social-cultural and the technological construction of reality. The present discourse on technology tends to be based on the perspective of technological determinism. However, contrary to mainstream thinking, this article suggests that we need to explore how society and culture (social determinism) impact on technology development. It explores the social realities and construction of technology in Malaysia’s social context, and reviews the hidden but dynamic human forces embedded in the approach of technological determinism which, in itself is a social construction of reality.