Techonolgy and Historical Change

I always believed that technology was an influence of history but after reading The Shock of the Old: Production by David Edgerton and History as Technological Change by Rosalind Williams I was surprised to learn how much of an impact history and society have on technology. It was also refreshing to see Rosalind Williams’ perspective and explanation of the Human Habitat.

Edgerton shows examples of how certain innovations had impacts on trades and production throughout history. He also showed examples of how some products are still in use and have not been drastically altered by innovation. Singer produced 90% of the sewing machines in 1905 and even today is still producing the same machines. “in April 2002, thread operated Singers decorated with stickers celebrating 150 years of Singer machines were on sale alongside white goods, next to an internet café”. Edgerton used examples of products (automobiles) and industries (Farming, Agriculture. Mass Production and Service Industries) to show innovation was introduced and utilized differently by different societies. One of the main points given through these examples was that society impacts technology because technology is dependent on people utilize it.

Williams introduced a term called the “Human Habitat” which also showed how historical change does not equate to technological change. Williams asked that the reader identify technology as meaning change. The consensus by most is that change is “relentless and inevitable” but Williams presents a challenge that change lacks a purpose and an end. ‘Progress has a story line; change does not”. Without progress no innovation will alter how humans relate and interact and therefore not be part of any change in history.

Historical change is much more complex than the introduction to new technology. Humans must have a use for the technology in their lives in order for the technology to be justified. There must be an influence on how humans relate and interact with each other. That creates a historical change. The introduction of the tractor in the 1920’s had very little impact in the Soviet Union and therefore did not result in a historical change.