Book Review: On Writing the History of TechnologyReview of Networks of Power, by HughesThomas P.Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983 (original) (raw)
1984, Science, Technology, & Human Values
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This paper reviews Thomas P. Hughes' book "Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society," which addresses the historical literature on electrification and its cultural implications. It critiques Hughes' approach of viewing electrification as a sociotechnical system while advocating for a study of the broader cultural choices enabled by electrification. The review suggests future research directions focusing on the interactions between technical systems and cultural influences, emphasizing the importance of including diverse societal perspectives in studying technological advancements.
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