This essay will review the impact of computers on our society from a sociological perspective.

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Computers in Society from a Sociological perspective.

This essay will review the impact of computers on our society from a sociological perspective. It will discuss how the use of computers has shaped three key aspects of society comprising work life, education and home life. Theorists outlined by Haralambus (2000) look at the impact of computers on society from two opposing perspectives, with various more moderate viewpoints in-between. These two theoretical extremes are that of technological determinism with social determinism at the other end of the spectrum. The findings of research carried out by such theorists will be drawn from to illustrate and support the discussion. In conclusion a summary of some of the more common sociological influences and their impact is offered.

     

For many people in our workforce today computers have had a profound effect, instigating many drastic changes in work patterns and routines. The employees of today have experienced an information revolution. A complete change in the way work is carried out has evolved and so too, the skills required to be a part of it. Change is often met with fear and resistance. Crompton (1999). Shoshana Zuboff (1998) an American sociologist, (advocating the technological determinist approach, in that she believes technology has shaped social life) illustrates this resistance to change in her study ‘In the age of the Smart Machine.’ Haralambus (2000). Employees from various places of work where new information technology systems were introduced. One employee said:

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With computerization I am further away from my job than I have ever been before. I used to listen to the sounds the boiler makes and know just how it was running. I could look at the furnace and tell by its color how it was burning…. I feel uncomfortable being away from these sights and smells. Now I only have numbers to go by. Zuboff (1988) as cited by Haralambos (2000 p701)

In contrast, the advent of portable computers such as lap tops and palm tops, has given individuals more freedom to work where and when they ...

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