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Topic Review
Social Construction of Technology
Social construction of technology (SCOT) is a theory within the field of science and technology studies. Advocates of SCOT—that is, social constructivists—argue that technology does not determine human action, but that rather, human action shapes technology. They also argue that the ways a technology is used cannot be understood without understanding how that technology is embedded in its social context. SCOT is a response to technological determinism and is sometimes known as technological constructivism. SCOT draws on work done in the constructivist school of the sociology of scientific knowledge, and its subtopics include actor-network theory (a branch of the sociology of science and technology) and historical analysis of sociotechnical systems, such as the work of historian Thomas P. Hughes. Its empirical methods are an adaptation of the Empirical Programme of Relativism (EPOR), which outlines a method of analysis to demonstrate the ways in which scientific findings are socially constructed (see strong program). Leading adherents of SCOT include Wiebe Bijker and Trevor Pinch. SCOT holds that those who seek to understand the reasons for acceptance or rejection of a technology should look to the social world. It is not enough, according to SCOT, to explain a technology's success by saying that it is "the best"—researchers must look at how the criteria of being "the best" is defined and what groups and stakeholders participate in defining it. In particular, they must ask who defines the technical criteria success is measured by, why technical criteria are defined this way, and who is included or excluded. Pinch and Bijker argue that technological determinism is a myth that results when one looks backwards and believes that the path taken to the present was the only possible path. SCOT is not only a theory, but also a methodology: it formalizes the steps and principles to follow when one wants to analyze the causes of technological failures or successes.
  • 2.2K
  • 09 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Social Constructionism
Social constructionism is a theoretical approach in sociology that posits that reality is socially constructed through language, discourse, and social interactions. It asserts that knowledge and meaning are not inherent in objects or phenomena but are instead created and maintained by individuals and societies through shared beliefs, cultural norms, and power dynamics. Social constructionism emphasizes the role of language, symbols, and social context in shaping our understanding of reality and social phenomena.
  • 744
  • 26 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Social Control
Social control refers to the mechanisms, norms, and practices through which societies regulate individual behavior and maintain order. It encompasses both formal institutions such as laws and regulations, as well as informal social norms and expectations. Social control mechanisms serve to reinforce conformity to societal norms, values, and expectations, while also deterring deviant behavior through sanctions and rewards.
  • 892
  • 26 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Social Disconnectedness and Career Advancement Impact on Performance
Social connectedness refers to the subjective perception of having strong ties with the social world. Career advancement, which is mainly concerned with job advancement opportunities and growth, is affecting employee satisfaction and performance for those who work in remote areas. Job satisfaction refers to an employee’s good attitude or favorable emotion toward the activity performed, which improves the working environment, and thus, contributes to a positive ambiance in the workplace. 
  • 348
  • 19 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Social Entrepreneurs for Innovative Professional Career Developments
Social impact and innovation are crucial aspects of any social entrepreneurship project. There are some fundamental common factors as critical determinants of the final social entrepreneurial decision and result: (i) motivations such as emotional connection, moral judgment, personal dissatisfaction, purpose achievement and change, and social needs; (ii) personal internal resources such as connection skills, conviction, creativity, efficiency skills, and learning orientation; (iii) facilitating external factors such as financial and social support, higher and social education, relevant past events, and previous professional experience. Putting together all these factors, there is a theoretical framework that can explain social entrepreneurship as an alternative career option and connect it with a dominant social entrepreneur’s narrative and profile.
  • 595
  • 13 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Social Entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship (SE) is about entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at exploiting opportunities to generate social value
  • 1.6K
  • 23 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Social Entrepreneurship Competency
The complexity of today’s world demands a shift in education from knowledge acquisition to competency development for students to effectively address profession-related challenges. In particular, there is a need for social entrepreneurs who can act as catalysts for change in complex environments. 
  • 252
  • 06 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Social Environment and Environmental Attitudes
Social environment may the formation of citizens' attitudes toward the natural environment, namely, the environmental attitudes.
  • 3.9K
  • 15 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Social Equality
Social equality refers to the state of affairs in which individuals or groups in a society enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and status, regardless of their various backgrounds, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or other distinguishing characteristics. The concept is rooted in the idea that all members of a society should have the same fundamental rights, and they should be treated with fairness and impartiality.
  • 178
  • 25 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Social Evolution
Social evolution refers to the gradual and continuous change in social structures, behaviors, and institutions over time. It encompasses the development and transformation of societies, including advancements in technology, shifts in cultural norms, and alterations in political and economic systems, often driven by factors such as innovation, conflict, and interaction with the environment. This concept underpins various theories in sociology and anthropology, offering insights into how societies adapt and evolve in response to internal and external pressures.
  • 2.5K
  • 26 Jan 2024
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