technological determinism
technological determinismA theory of social change, characteristically one of evolutionary progress or development, in which productive technique obeys a logic or trajectory of its own; and, in the process, acts as the principal determinant of institutions and social relationships. Since literal technological determinism is clearly untrue, most such theories also invoke a cultural lag between the introduction of a technology, and its full social impact. It should not be confused or equated with historical materialism. See also cultural materialism.
[The entire page is 107 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Oxford University Press Titles
