Neal Postman

1931-2003

Postman asserts that irrespective of the intentions of the users (or the owners), technology always has unintended consequences, that these consequences are both positive and negative, and that these consequences are rarely evenly distributed throughout the society. Postman calls this the “Frankenstein Syndrome” in which technology is developed for a limited and specific purpose. “But once the machine is built, we discover—sometimes to our horror, usually to our discomfort, always to our surprise—that it has ideas of its own." Inevitably new technologies cause changes in institutional structures as well as ideas, ideologies, beliefs, and even habits of thought. This, Postman asserts, is generally true of technology; it is especially true of communications technologies. For Postman, the prime movers in sociocultural change are technology and consequent changes of the division of labor; combined these forces change social structures and ultimately the very character of the men and women who inhabit the society.

Read: Chapter 7: "Neal Postman's Technological Determinism" in Macrosociology: The Study of Sociocultural Systems.

Demonstrate to me that you have read and mastered the course material. Answer the following essay questions to be turned in during class before your exam over this unit. For full credit, list the question, address the questions fully and completely in your own words and voice. Length should be about 500 words per question.

Links:

Neil Postman's Technopoly

Stirring up Trouble

Bibliography:

Postman, A. (2003, October 8). Eulogy for Neil Postman. New York.

Postman, N. (1984). Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. New York: Viking Peguin Inc.

Postman, N. (1992). Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Postman, N. (1982/1994). The Disappearance of Childhood. New York: Random House.

Postman, N. (1995). The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School. New York: Random House, Inc.