Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices

Book Overview

The Second Edition of Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices is a collection of 78 articles that examine the social aspects of computerization from a variety of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0124150403
• ISBN13: 9780124150409
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers
• Length: 961 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Computerization and Controversy

With the dawn of the Information Age waning and social, economic and political changes underway, Robert Kling's anthology adds form and character to the futurist, anthropological debate of what will happen to us now.In an impressive and hefty volume, Kling et.al. questions the ramifications of eight areas of human interaction; areas as varied as privacy, social control, human relationships, work, and human interaction. In this examination, Kling provides a depth of discussion that will overwhelm the technology neophyte. For those in the industry or for the more advanced casual user, this volume will fill in holes of knowledge that guarantee to stimulate deeper appreciation for the changes underway in our society.

Enduring Issues about the Past and Future of Technology in S

Rob Kling's Computerization and Controversy offers a vast and diverse range of perspectives about the social effects of computerization in the future. This compilation of 78 essays was published in 1996, making the material somewhat dated. Nevertheless, the authors showcased in this anthology are insightful and visionary and much of their commentary is still relevant today, despite the fact that everything is not exactly as they had projected. The burning issue endures: What is the social cost of computerization? The book does not answer this question, but equips the reader with lots to consider. The readings in this anthology address not only the way that computerization affects society, but also how society shapes computerization. This collection is divided into 8 sections. The first section is authored entirely by Kling and sets the stage for the other sections that follow. In it, he poses questions about the ability of computerization to make life easier. His essay entitled "The Seductive Equation of Technological Progress with Social Progress" speaks to the theme of the entire book. Technology can both help and hinder social interactions. By juxtaposing contrary opinions on the effects of computerization on education, work, business, government, privacy, economics, and science, he provides a text that is comprehensive in scope and perspective. Computerization and Controversy is less of a "futures" book, and more of a "history" book - evidence of where we have been in our thinking about the effects computerization on society. It is poignant evidence of how quickly society is changing as a result of technology and computerization. One essay, by Anne Okerson, outlines the future of the Electronic Journal. She describes how quickly information "expires" and how technology can meet the need for up to date knowledge and facts. Were Computerization and Controversy published as an ever-changing e-text, we might be better off (or would we?).

I positively warrant that this book will make you laugh

Pragmatists may be put off by the academic tone and somewhat dated content. This book has earned a valued place on the top heap of my bookshelf.I connot believe there are no other substantial comments here. This is a great 'bathroom book' in that you can open it at will and read for an arbitrary amount of time. You will be rewarded and if you have any web sense, you can follow up on events subsequent to the time these snapshots were taken. If you are curious as to why I am so positive about the book, email me. -jim