Actor

Discussion Actor-network theory is associated with the works of Bruno Latour, John Law and Michael Callon. The individuals were Science and Technology Studies scholars. It is a unique approach to the social research and theory.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Actor-Network Theory and the Theory of the Social Construction of Technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The origin of the actor-network theory can be traced from the science studies. This approach is distinguished from other approaches for involving agency of non-humans in the network (Prinsloo and Baynham, 2008, p. 152). This theory relates the materials relations as well as the relations between concepts. It assumes that in most of the relations we encounter in day to day life are semiotic and material. For instance, interactions in school involve students, their teachers as well as the equipments like desks, chairs and other forms of technology. Tea chers and students interact with the help. The combination of all these elements forms a network. The actor-network theory tends to explain how both material and semiotic concepts comes together to act as one. For instance, the school is an entity composed of students, teachers and the equipments necessary. However, these combine and act as one network. They all interact to make a functional institution. On the other hand, the proponents of the theory of the social construction of technology argues that new technological developments takes place through negotiation and struggle over the meanings and material shapes involving the social actors (Barkardjieva, 2005, p.10). This theory emanates from the field of science and technology studies. According to this theory, human actions are not directed by technology; instead, it is the human beings who shape the technology (Anonymous, 2009, par 1). The proponents of this theory argue that it is difficult to understand technology without fi rst understanding how the technology is related in its social context. This theory provides the procedure through which the cause of technological success or failure can be assessed. This is made possible by provision of a form of methodology through which this can be verified.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Differences between Actor-Network Theory and the theory of the Social Construction of Technology One of the main differences between the actor network theory and the Social Construction of Technology theory is that the former involves objects and organizations in the framework while the latter does not. For instance, when buying a cloth in a shop, the actor-network in this process includes the person who is purchasing the cloth, the cashier, the cash used in buying, cash register as well as the produce involved. On the other hand, the theory of social construction of techno logy recognizes the importance of human actions in shaping technology. It opposes the idea that technology can shape human actions in any particular way. This is unlike the actor-network theory which does not recognize objects and organizations. Another difference between these theories is that the actor-network theory is diverse. This is unlike the theory of social construction of technology which overemphasizes on the human influence on technology choice. The social network theory originated from the area of science studies while the social construction of technology is more inclined to the science and technology studies. Although the two methods are related, they differ from their emergence. This is the reason why they differ in various aspects. SCOT has given a clear elaboration of the reasons why a certain technology may be accepted or rejected in the society. On the other hand, the actor-network theory does not give such an explanation. It considered every component in the net work as equally important. In fact, this is one of the weaknesses of this method. The actor-network theory makes an assumption that many relations are material and semiotic. For instance, the interaction between different people in a social institution as well as the equipments (technology) applied. On the other hand, the SCOT just identifies the influence of the human in shaping the technology. It does not recognize non human aspects. Actor-Network Theory Strengths of Actor-Network Theory This method has a number of strengths which contributes to its success. One of the main strengths of the actor-network theory is that it gives a logical explanation of how effects are produced (Jones and Graham, 2003 p. 20).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Actor-Network Theory and the Theory of the Social Construction of Technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This theory goes even further to show the connection between ef fects with other different interests. By giving a logical procedure, it implies that this theory is verifiable. An experiment can be conducted to verify propositions. Another achievement of the action-network theory is that the ties and the nodes imagery which is applied in the concept used in this theory helps in clarification. This is through the connection between these nodes as well as their connections. Weaknesses of Actor-Network Theory One of the main weaknesses of this theory lies on its inability to make a distinction between human beings and other objects. Many people views human beings as a unique creature that is very different from other animals and objects. By failing to draw a line between the human beings and other things, this theory contradicts a significant number of ideologies hence losing its effectiveness. Another weakness of the actor-network theory is that it is a very difficult task to identify all the heterogeneous elements in an actor-network. The social n etwork theory proposes that every actor in the network (either an object or a person) is equally important in the network. None of these components can be said to be more important than the other. This assumption is very critical as it compares human beings with objects. This theory has also been criticized for its uniqueness of assigning agency to actors who are not human beings. It recognizes the presence of non-human objects in the network. There is a need to draw a line between human beings and other objects. For instance, it argues that the tables, students, and teachers are equally important in the network. This theory has also been criticized for not taking into account the elements outside the realm of nodes and relations. In other words, it does not provide any space outside this framework. It does not allow anything to be outside the relations which are defined in the network. This theory has also been criticized on the point that it involves descriptions which are not use ful since they make point. Another weakness of this theory is based on its assumption that all the actors are equal in the network. This assumption does not recognize the possibility of power imbalances in the network. Most people have been arguing that people does not have the same moral status with machines or organizations and therefore should be differentiated from them.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Actor-network theory is also criticized for its value-neutral stand. The method has for long been challenged for not paying attention on the political and social context. By so doing, this theory undermines the efforts of having an effective political and social critique (Jones and Graham, 2003 p. 8). Hence, this theory provides an analysis which contrasts the major ideologies like the government, patriarchy or the government. Therefore, there is a need for improvement on this theory in order to avoid such limitations. Social Construction of Technology Strengths of the theory of the Social Construction of Technology One of the strengths of this theory is that it recognizes the importance of human actions in shaping the technology. This is unlike in the actor-network theory where human superiority is ignored. This aspect has significantly contributed in the effectiveness of this theory. This is because human activities have played an important role in shaping their environment. Anoth er advantage of SCOT is that it can be a methodology. In other words, it gives the principles and steps to follow in case someone wants to find out the causes of successes or failures of a particular technology. Weaknesses of the theory of the Social Construction of Technology Despite of these strengths associated with the social construction, it suffers some limitations. One of the main weaknesses of this method is that it overemphasizes on social impact on technology hence ignoring the significance of the physical world. It is necessary to recognize the fact that the physical world constraints our actions in one way or another. This theory has not made any attempt to explain such influence. This theory assumes that the human beings shapes the technology and notes the fact that technology can never shape the human beings. This theory gives a clear explanation of how technologies come up. However, this method fails to identify the consequences of the technology after the fact. There fore, this theory does not explain how such technological developments fit in the broader social context. Thus, there is a need to improve on this theory by considering the consequences of new developments in technology. This theory fails to recognize the groups which do not take part in construction of technology process. However, these people are significantly affected by these developments. The theory recognizes only the groups which play a role in constructing technology. Such ignorance has undermined the effectiveness of this theory. Another shortcoming of the social construction theory is that it is viewed as a form of social determinism. It pays more attention to the social factors hence ignoring other important factors which may also have a significant impact on the technological development. This theory does not take any stand and it does not propose any judgment on the importance of different interpretations of technology. By failing to take any such stance, this theory pr oves impotent in solving important controversies on the role of technology in human activities. Finally, this theory is also criticized on the basis that it fails to analyze deeply on the factors which influences technological choice. For instance, this theory only focuses on the influence of interests, immediate needs and problems on technological choice. It fails to recognize the impact of economic, cultural, or intellectual choices regarding technology. Conclusion In conclusion, this discussion has clearly brought other differences between the actor-network theory and the social construction of the technology. This discussion has revealed that the main differences between these two theories are based on the fact that the actor-network theory fails to draw a difference between the human beings and other objects. It treats all the elements in the network as equal. That is, none of the members in the network is more important than the other. This is also a primary weakness of this m ethod. These differences determine the effectiveness of each. The actor-network theory is criticized for failing to draw a distinction between the human beings and other elements in the network. On the other hand, the theory of social construction of technology has been criticized for overemphasizing the role of human beings in shaping technology hence ignoring the importance of the other elements in shaping technology. Reference List Anonymous. (2009). Social Construction of Technology (SCOT). Web. Bakardjieva, M. (2005). Internet Society: The Internet in Everyday Life. London: SAGE. Jones, B. and Graham, J. (2003). Actor-Network Theory: A Tool to Support Ethical Analysis of Commercial Genetic Testing. Web. Prinsloo, M. Baynham, M. (2008). Literalises, Global And Local. Netherlands: John Benjamins Publishing Company. This essay on Actor-Network Theory and the Theory of the Social Construction of Technology was written and submitted by user Kenny Hartman to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Just Another Paper Essay Example

Just Another Paper Essay Example Just Another Paper Essay Just Another Paper Essay Course Syllabus College of Criminal Justice and Security CJA/394 Contemporary Issues and Futures in Criminal Justice Copyright  © 2010 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course examines both the principle issues in contemporary criminal justice as well as the extrapolation of such issues toward possible futures within the criminal justice field. Students will focus upon relevant research in policing, courts, and corrections that reflect key elements of current conditions and what may be expected in the years to come. Students will apply critical review and engage in in-depth discussion of these concepts as a basis for comprehensive understanding at local, state, national, and global levels of criminal justice administration. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Muraskin, R. , Roberts. A. R. (2009). Visions for change: Crime and justice in the twenty-first century (5th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Robinson, M. B. (2009). Justice blind? Ideals and realities of American criminal justice (3rd ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Victor, J. L. Naughton, J. (2010). Annual editions: Criminal justice. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Walker, S. , Katz, C. M. (2008). The police in America: An introduction (6th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw- Hill. Waller, B. N. (2009). You decide! Current debates in criminal justice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: Criminal Justice System Assessment DetailsDuePoints Objectives1. 1Evaluate past, present, and future trends in the interface between components of the criminal justice system and criminal justice connections with surrounding society. 1. 2Assess the value of the criminal justice system in a changing society. 1. 3Examine contemporary issues currently facing the Criminal Justice System. 1. 4Identify recent and future trends and issues affecting the criminal justice system. ReadingsRead Ch. 1 of Visions for Change. Read Article 14 of Annual Editions: Criminal Justice. Read Ch. 3 of Justice Blind? Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion by posting a minimum of two substantive responses on four separate days during the online week. All Week1 Discussion QuestionsRespond to the two weekly discussion questions (DQ1 DQ2). DQ1-Thursday DQ2-Saturday0. 5 0. 5 Individual AutobiographyIntroduce yourself to the class with a summary of your background. Submit the bio to the Ch at Room forum and comment on other student’s bios in an effort to get to know everyone better. Tuesday by 11:59 PM MST4. 0 Individual Criminal Justice Trends EvaluationWrite a 1,400-1,750-word paper in which you evaluate past, present, and future trends in the interface between components of the criminal justice system and criminal justice connections with surrounding society. In your assessment, be sure to evaluate and identify and assess the following: Recent and future trends and contemporary issues affecting the criminal justice system Value of the criminal justice system in a changing society Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST12 Week Two: Past, Present, and Future Trends in Policing: Development and Operations DetailsDuePoints Objectives2. 1Evaluate past, present, and future trends pertaining to the continuing development and operation of the field of policing. 2. 2Analyze the organizational management, administration, and operational aspects of policing. 2. 3Examine perspectives of the policing function from the local, state, and federal organizational levels. 2. 4Identify possible future changes in laws and the impact on the field of policing. ReadingsRead Ch. 2-4, 15 of The Police in America. Read Article 14 of Annual Editions: Criminal Justice. Read Debate 1 2 of You Decide! Current Debates in Criminal Justice. Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion by posting a minimum of two substantive responses on four separate days during the online week. All Week1 Individual Discussion Questions Respond to the two weekly discussion questions (DQ1 DQ2). DQ1-Thursday DQ2-Saturday 0. 5 0. 5 Individual Policing Functions PaperWrite a 1,050-1,750-word paper in which you examine the various perspectives of the policing function from the local, state, and federal organizational levels. Be sure to identify and address possible future changes in laws and the overall impact these changes will have on the field of policing. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST11 Learning Team Team Charter Collaborate with all team members and come to consensus regarding the contents of your learning team charter. Submit the final Team Charter to one team member’s Assignments section. Wednesday by 11:59 PM MST1 Learning Team Policing Development and Operation Trends PaperWrite a 1,050-1,400-word paper in which you analyze the organizational management, administration, and operational aspects of policing within policing organizations. In your analysis, be sure to evaluate past, present, and future trends pertaining to the continuing development and operation of the field of policing and how these evolutions impact various policing organizations (local, state, federal). Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST8 Week Three: Past, Present, and Future Trends of the Courts: Development and Operations DetailsDuePoints Objectives3. 1Identify the current and future issues facing courts and court administrators today. 3. 2Articulate court purposes and responsibilities and the importance of strategic planning and vision as foundations of successful court management. 3. 3Discuss future management issues and trends regarding language interpretation services. 3. 4Appraise the impact of court consolidation and restructuring on future court processes and responsibilities. . 5Assess the past, present, and future impact that victim rights laws have on court proceedings. ReadingsRead Ch. 12 of Visions for Change: Crime and Justice in the Twenty-First Century. Read Ch. 7 of Justice Blind? Read Article 13 of Annual Editions: Criminal Justice. Read Debate 3, 8, 17 of You Decide! Current Debates in Criminal Justice. Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. ParticipationParticipate in class discussi on by posting a minimum of two substantive responses on four separate days during the online week. All Week1 Individual Discussion Questions Respond to the two weekly discussion questions (DQ1 DQ2). DQ1-Thursday DQ2-Saturday 0. 5 0. 5 Individual Court Issues AnalysisWrite a 1,050-1,400-word analysis in which you identify the current and future issues facing courts and court administrators today. In your analysis be sure to discuss the following areas: Discuss future management issues and trends regarding language interpretation services. Assess the past, present, and future impact that victim rights laws have on court proceedings. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST10 Learning Team Court Management Executive SummaryWrite a 350-700-word executive summary in which you articulate court purposes and responsibilities and the importance of strategic planning and vision as foundations of successful court management. Additionally, appraise the impact of court consolidation and restructuring on future court processes and responsibilities as part of court management efforts and responsibilities. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST7 Week Four: Past, Present, and Future Trends in Corrections: Institutional and Corrections Systems DetailsDuePoints Objectives4. 1Identify the current and future issues facing prisons and prison administrators today. 4. 2Evaluate past, present, and future trends pertaining to the development and operation of institutional and community based corrections. 4. 3Analyze the role/issue of various correctional models, approaches and systems as a developing trend. 4. 4Analyze Legislative and correctional philosophies associated with increasing correctional populations. 4. Hypothesize future correctional problems including potential solutions. ReadingsRead Ch. 16 of Visions for Change: Crime and Justice in the Twenty-First Century. Read Article 31 32 of Annual Editions: Criminal Justice. Read Debate 13 15 of You Decide! Current Debates in Criminal Justice. Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion by posting a minimum of two substantiv e responses on four separate days during the online week. All Week1 Individual Discussion QuestionsRespond to the two weekly discussion questions (DQ1 DQ2). DQ1-Thursday DQ2-Saturday 0. 5 0. 5 Individual Corrections Trend EvaluationWrite a 1,400-1,750-word paper in which you conduct research and evaluate past, present, and future trends pertaining to the development and operation of institutional and community based corrections. As part of your evaluation, identify and analyze current and future issues facing prisons and prison administrators today and the role/issue of alternate correction systems as a developing trend. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST12 Learning Team Futures of Corrections PaperWrite a 700-1,400-word paper in which you analyze future correctional philosophies associated with increasing correctional populations. In your analysis be sure to hypothesize future correctional problems that will need to be addressed by prison administrators. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST7 Week Five: Major Global Crimes and Criminal Issues in Criminal Justice DetailsDuePoints Objectives5. 1Identify major global crimes and criminal issues that have a global impact on justice systems and processes. 5. Compare and contrast international criminal justice systems. 5. 3Analyze the impact of cyber crime on worldwide justice systems. ReadingsRead Ch. 5, 15, 32 of Visions for Change: Crime and Justice in the Twenty-First Century. Read Debate 18 19 of You Decide! Current Debates in Criminal Justice. Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion by posting a minimum of two substantive responses on four separate days during the online week. All Week1 Individual Discussion QuestionsRespond to the two weekly discussion questions (DQ1 DQ2). DQ1-Thursday DQ2-Saturday 0. 5 0. 5 Individual Global Crimes AnalysisWrite a 1,050-1,400-word paper in which you identify the various major global crimes and criminal issues that have a global impact on national and international justice systems and processes. Be sure to compare and contrast the various international criminal justice systems and how these major global crimes and criminal issues addressed. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST11 Learning Team Article AnalysisWrite a 700-1,400-word paper in which you research a recent article focusing on cyber-crime. In your analysis, be sure to analyze the impact that cyber crime has on worldwide justice systems and the processes which combat global crime. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday by 11:59 PM MST7 Individual Discussion Questions Week One What is the relationship between the criminal justice system and society? How do past, current, and future trends impact the development of community relations for criminal justice organizations? What recommendations would you make to improve the interface between society and the criminal justice system? Give an example of a contemporary issue currently facing the criminal justice system. How does this issue impact the criminal justice system? What would happen if this issue was magnified (or decreased)? What would the implications be for the various personnel in the criminal justice system? Explain. Week Two What are the various developmental and operational trends impacting policing? How do past, current, and future trends impac t the development and operations of policing organizations? What recommendations would you make to improve the overall development and operations of the policing field? What are the various organizational police functions (local, state, federal)? How do the various functional levels of policing differ from one another? What distinctions can be made about each? Is there a better solution to the way the current system(s) operate at each level? Explain. Week Three Give an example of a current/future issue facing courts and court administrators today. How does this issue impact the overall operations of the court system within the criminal justice system? How can we solve this issue to improve the court system and improve overall court administration? Explain What are the laws reflecting victim rights? How do the past, present, and future victim rights laws impact court proceedings? What would happen if victim rights laws did not exist? Explain. Week Four What is the role of alternate corrections systems? How do alternate corrections systems impact the criminal justice system as a developing trend regarding management, administration, etc.? Is there a better solution to alternative corrections systems? Explain. What are potential future problems for correctional systems? Which events have led to the development of these issues (past and present)? How can we solve and accurately plan to correct these future issues? Explain. Week Five Give an example of major global crimes. How do these crimes and other criminal issues impact global criminal justice systems? How can we improve the overall effectiveness of strategies employed to combat these global crimes and criminal issues? Explain. Give an example of an international justice system. How do the various international justice systems cooperate and coordinate in combating global crime? What would happen if the communication among these international justice systems broke down, or was non-existent? Explain.