STS 3790 Quiz 1

What are the three models of relationship between sts

Technological determinism, neutrality, and constructivism

what is technological Determinism

The belief that we have no control over technology and that technolgoy only shapes society.  This views technology negativly as it is this horrible thing we cannot control. Poor view of the relationship of science and technology

what is technological Neutrality

The belief that technology can is not good or bad. Technology has no straightforward effect on society. The effect of technology on society is depending on the intentions of the technology. A form of instumentalism. Another poor view on the relationship between technology and society.

what is Social Constructivism

The view that society drives technological change. Since we created technology we are the driving factor that leads to change.  Teachnology could have been different depending on society at the time.  This is a good view of the relationship between sts.

What is Actor Network Theory (ANT)

a framework of sts that vuews society as made up of human and non human actors, further proving the coexistance of technology and society, something that cant be separated. Both actors interact and work together to shape eachother and produce social outcomes. 

What are the methodical rules of sts

1. it could have been otherwise

   • Nothing is predetermined

   • The bycicle could have been a different but similar invention

2. Co-Production

•              Things will be created based on human interests, these creations can also influence society.

3. Principle of Symmetry

• Symmetrical thoughts are needed to avoid hypocritical thoughts.

• lack of symmetry is what results in faiiled technology 

• Segway is an example of failed technology, as it may have suceeded in the technical aspect, but society never adapted to it.  No sidewalks were made for segways, nothing changed ending with them being overexpensive and inefficent compared to biking.  

4. Interventionist Approach

• Rather than study sts, the idea of intervening to shape outcomes.

• Example: funding renewable energy to guide scientific research.  

What are the problems with Technological Determinism

No space for human choice, denies our responsibilites. This is because it believes that technology only shapes society, we have no control. This doesnt make sense since technology is something we created in the first place, in turn making it something we can control.

What are the problems with Technological Neutrality

Technological Neutrality treats technology as something that is neutral, blaming the user for any faults. Some technology is created with the sole purpose of military strength to reinforce power which contradicts the idea that technology is neutral.  As well, since tech neutrality blames the user, this means that apps that are designed to be addictive as well as feed that is desiged to keep us on our phones is our fault alone and that the tech is still neutral.  

What are factors that shape development

culture, history, Degree of political stability, geography, sense of belonging in groups, geography, nature, development strategy being pursued, ability to determine and understand the problem

what are the key features and characteristics of development

Development is a complex, ongoing, and contested process involving many actors and ideas. It’s about much more than economics — it includes politics, culture, history, power, and the environment, and looks different depending on context.

What are the major theories and approaches to development

* Modernization theory

• Structuralism

• Dependency theory

• Neo-liberalism

• Human development theory

• Sustainable development

• Good governance

• Post-development theory

What is Modernization Theory

(Post Cold War, 1960s) A linear conception of history, believes that if we follow the western ideals, we can only be succesful. Market led growth, very little state involvemnt. Does not require any other strategies to success other than western ideals.  To put it simply, it is like following a rulebook on how to succeed.

What are the critiques about Modernization Theory

The beleif that only following western ideals is flawed, there can be uneaven development and the western model cannot always be applied.  Following the path of someone who succeeded does not always mean you will succeed.  

What is Structuralism

(1950s) State led development. It is like instead of following a rule book on how to succeed you make your own rules and focus on your current needs and issues rather than what the rule book says.  

What are the issues with Structualism

Since structuralism follows its own development path with strong state control, it can overuse resources and neglect efficiency. Protected industries can become dependent on government support, and without integration into the global economy, the strategy can struggle to sustain growth.

What is Dependency Theory?

dependency theory is a critique of modernization theory. It states that the problem is not that developing countrys are not following the western model, the problem is the global economic system itself.  This is because the system benifits the rich countries and keeps the poor countries poor.  So the poor countries are in a never ending state of dependancy no matter what strategys they follow.  Since most of the developing countries sell bulks of one product, this results in them depending on the other countries, leading to the developing countries being unsucessful.

What are the Critiques of Dependency Theory

Dependency theory has been criticized for offering little hope or clear alternatives for developing countries, as it focuses mainly on global structures rather than solutions. It also overlooks important internal factors, such as the stages of economic growth, which can differ between countries and may not always guarantee success.  A big issue with this theory is it only looks at external factors and ignores internal factors.

what are the Walt Rostow’s 5 stages of economic growth

• 1. Traditional society

  • Mostly agricultural, static economy, organized by family/clan, with limited science and technology.

• 2. Preconditions for take-off

  • Agriculture becomes more productive, transport improves, banking develops, skilled labor grows, raw materials are exploited → creating the base for industrial growth.

• 3. Take-off

  • Rapid industrial growth over a few decades, with key industries expanding and a large share of income invested in productive activity.

• 4. Drive to maturity

  • Long phase of sustained industrial growth, adoption of advanced technology, and diversification of the economy.

• 5. High mass consumption

  • Strong economy producing consumer goods, citizens with high incomes, and increased spending on welfare and services.

What is Neo Liberalism

Neoliberalism is an economic and political philosophy that emphasizes entrepreneurship, free markets, and privatization, with minimal government intervention. It promotes individual choice and personal responsibility, believing that the economy functions best when markets operate freely. An example is the U.S. healthcare system, where private providers dominate and government involvement is limited, resulting in lower taxes but less universal coverage. THis is market driven and an export oriented development

what is free market

A free market is an economic system where prices for goods and services are determined by supply and demand, with little or no government interference.

What are the critiques of Neo Liberalism

relying on free markets and economic policy alone doesn’t deliver fair or sustainable development. It creates unfair competition, empowers corporations over states, increases inequality, and harms the environment.

What is Human Developent Theory

This is a theory that focuses on the better for humanity. Focusing on quality of life outcomes, such as longevity, education and health.  This dev elopment is human centerd focusing on human well being.  

What is good Governance

Good governance means managing a country, organization, or project in a way that is effective, fair, accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of people.

Looks at relationships between

− governments and markets

− governments and citizens

− governments and the private or voluntary sector

− elected officials and appointed officials

− government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

What are the key Factors of good governance

1. Transparency — decisions and processes are open and clear to the public.

2. Accountability — leaders and institutions are responsible for their actions.

3. Rule of law — laws are applied fairly and consistently.

4. Participation — people have a voice in decisions that affect them.

5. Effectiveness and efficiency — resources are used wisely to achieve desired results.

6. Equity and inclusiveness — everyone has equal access to opportunities and services.

What is Post Development Theory

Post Development theory is a critique of traditional development appraoches such as modernization and neolibralism.  It argues that development is flawed and that trying to make developing countries follow the western models often causes harm.

It views that instead we should

• question whether development is desirable

• Focus on local knowledge, cultures, and ways of living rather than imposing a single model

• Recognize that development often reflects Western values and power structures, rather than the needs of local communities.

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Key ideas:

1. Development isn’t a neutral, universal process — it’s shaped by politics and power.

2. It often promotes Western ideals at the expense of local cultures.

3. Real change comes from grassroots movements and local solutions, not top-down plans.

True or false: More equality betwen nations leads to more economic equality within a nation.

False 

More economic equality between nations does not lead to more economic equality within a nation

• Economic growth does not always mean development

• Move towards quality of life (for all)

• Importance of political freedom

• Improvements in social welfare and human well-being

• Local empowerment and participation

What are the Alternative approaches to Development

Human Developent Theory, Sustatinable development, good governance, post development theory

What is Sustainable development

an approach to development that balances economic growth, social well being, and environmental protection (the three pillars).  This form of development ensures that the future generations will also be successful.  For example, if you are on an island you want to ration your food rather than eat as much as you want.  This way you are limiting recources used and ensuring you have enough food for the future.    

What is colonialism

The act of taking and ruling over land with control.  Having partial control over a country and exploiting it economically is still colonialism as you are aquiring land.  

What are the two types of colonialism and explain

Settler and Exploitation Conolialism

Settler colonialism is large scale immigration, motivated by religious political or economic reasons.  These settlers plan to go to that piece of land and claim it for their own and live there.  Differs the classic imperial colonialism as these settlers are not focusing on extracting recouses or trade, they want to claim the land for their own and live there.

Exploitation Conolialism: A form of colonialism where a small number of colonists control a territory mainly to extract resources, labor, and wealth, rather than to settle permanently. Often imposed by force, using military power to conquer and maintain control. In order to exploit the rescourses, they must take over the land

The goal is economic gain (exports like sugar, cotton, minerals, etc.), not building a new society.

Example: The British in India or the Belgian control of the Congo — where colonizers ruled and extracted resources but didn’t send large populations of settlers.

Exploitation = few colonists, many Indigenous people exploited.

Settler = many colonists, Indigenous people displaced.

What was the atlantic slave trade

it was a triangular system of trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas (often called the “Triangular Trade”).

Europe → Africa: Europeans traded manufactured goods (like textiles, guns, and alcohol) to African kingdoms.

Africa → Americas: Enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic (the Middle Passage) and sold.

Americas → Europe: Colonies in the Americas sent raw materials such as sugar, tobacco, coffee, and cotton back to Europe.

Europe provided goods → Africa provided enslaved people → Americas provided raw materials.

It was driven by profit and exploitation, with devastating consequences for Africa (population loss, social disruption) and built wealth in Europe and its colonies.

does not follow the 5 steps to succees.

what are the seven characteristics that all colonial states shared (Lanoszka 2018: 59-60)

1. International Political Dimension

Colonies were part of global empires, not just local states.

Their politics were shaped by the direct control of European powers and the unequal relationship between the colonizer and colonized.

Simple example: India was directly ruled by Britain, meaning its policies served British interests, not just local needs.

2. Bureaucratic Elitism & Authoritarianism

Colonial governments were run by small elites (colonial officials and local collaborators).

They ruled in an authoritarian way — no democracy, little political participation.

Example: Colonial administrators had near-absolute power, unlike elected officials in Europe.

3. Use of “Traditional” Authority Figures

Colonizers would co-opt local chiefs, landlords, or kings, making them allies.

These figures were often used as middlemen to enforce colonial rule.

Example: The British used “indirect rule” in Africa, working through tribal chiefs.

4. Use of Force

Violence was always an accepted tool.

Colonial states relied on military and police to suppress resistance and keep order.

Example: Rebellions were crushed brutally (e.g., Mau Mau uprising in Kenya).

5. Technological Advantage

Europeans used advanced weapons, ships, and communication systems to dominate.

This was used to justify the myth of European superiority (e.g., “we are more advanced, so we should rule”).

6. Statism

The colonial state controlled the economy heavily.

This meant directing production, trade, and labor in ways that served the empire’s needs.

Example: Colonies were forced to grow cash crops (like cotton, sugar, tea) instead of food for themselves.

7. Hegemonic Ideology

Colonizers promoted the idea that colonial rule was benevolent (helping “civilize” or “modernize” colonies).

This ideology hid the reality of exploitation.

Example: The “White Man’s Burden” narrative.

what is statism

A political system in which the state has gained control of social and economic affairs. Neolibrialism pushes to avoid this

what is the nature of colonial relationship

colonization is an enterprise of domestication that includes

1: appropriation of the animal - colonization treats the colonized people as objects that are to be controlled and conquored

2: “Familiarization of man (the colonist) and the animal (the native) - Colonization forces interaction between the colonizer and the colonized, but in a way that reshapes both groups

3: Utilization of the animal (the native) by the human (the colonist)

the colonizer exploits the colonized for rescourses, labour and cultural advantages. The animal is being used to serve the colonizer.

What are the Lasting Effects of Colonialism

• Ethnocentrisms

• Race & Racism: biological and sociological notions

• ‘Race relations situation’ -   long-term social dynamics between racial groups after colonialism.

• Poverty and inequality

• Need for development

what does Ethnocentrism mean

judging other cultures based on the standards of your own.

what is Biological racism

the false belief that different races are biologically inferior or superior.

What is Sociological racism:

ideas about race embedded in laws, institutions, and culture that maintain inequality.

What are the elements of the washington Consensus

1. Fiscal policy discipline

   • Keep government budgets under control; avoid large deficits and debt.

2. Removal of public subsidies

   • Stop giving government money to industries or services if it’s inefficient or politically motivated. Example: removing subsidies for fuel or agriculture.

3. Tax reform

   • Create a fair, efficient tax system that improves government revenue without harming economic growth.

4. Market-based interest rates

   • Let interest rates be determined by the market, not set by the government. (Free Market)

5. Competitive exchange rates

   • Adjust currency value so exports are competitive internationally.

6. Trade liberalization

   • Reduce tariffs and other barriers so goods and services can move more freely across borders.

7. Liberalization of foreign direct investment (FDI)

   • Allow foreign companies to invest and operate more freely in the country.

8. Privatization & move away from import substitution

   • Sell state-owned businesses to private owners and stop focusing on producing goods domestically that could be imported.

9. Deregulation

   • Reduce government rules and restrictions on businesses to encourage growth.

10. Introduction of private property rights

    • Guarantee that individuals and businesses have legal rights to own property, encouraging investment.

what are Structual Adjustment Programs

Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), common in the 1980s–90s, were economic reform policies with neoliberalist views that developing countries were required to adopt in exchange for loans from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank and IMF. The goal was to stabilize struggling economies and create conditions for long-term growth. Critics argue that these policies often had negative effects, such as increased poverty and inequality, and sometimes harmed the very countries they were intended to help.

What is market liberalisaiton

free markets, less government control, saps belieeved this was the best way to develpp as an economy, also fitting closly to the wsahington consensus principles.

what are the two phases to SAPs

Phase 1 — Short-term adjustment:

• Bring the economy under control.

• Reduce inflation (price increases).

• Adjust the currency value (often making it stronger — “appreciate”).

• Usually involved cuts to government spending, raising taxes, and controlling wages/prices.

Phase 2 — Long-term recovery:

• Change the fundamentals of the economy so it can grow sustainably.

• This often meant:

  • Opening the economy to global trade.

  • Privatizing state-owned enterprises.

  • Reducing trade barriers.

  • Encouraging foreign investment.

• The idea: after these reforms, the economy should be healthier and self-sustaining.

what are examples of how did science and tech play a role in colonial expansion

1. Cartography (maps):

   • The British mapped India extensively (Great Trigonometrical Survey).

   • Purpose: know the land, find resources, and plan infrastructure like railways.

   • Impact: turned vast, complex regions into something “manageable” for colonial rule.

2. Railways:

   • Introduced in the mid-19th century.

   • Allowed quick movement of troops to crush uprisings (e.g., 1857 Revolt).

   • Facilitated extraction of raw materials (cotton, coal) to ports for export.

3. Telegraphs:

   • Linked different parts of India with Britain.

   • Helped colonial authorities respond quickly to revolts and maintain political control.

4. Medical Science:

   • Colonial authorities researched tropical diseases (like malaria, cholera).

   • While framed as “public health,” it mainly protected European soldiers and officials, helping secure colonial administration.

5. Maritime Technology (ships & navigation):

   • European advances in shipbuilding and navigation gave them dominance over Indian Ocean trade routes.

   • This weakened the Mughal Empire and Indian merchants, shifting control to Europeans.

how did science and tech play a role in colonial expansion

Science and technology gave colonizers tools to map, classify, and control colonies (knowledge = power). Maritime and military technologies let Europeans dominate global trade, undermining older empires like the Mughals. As a result, colonies like India were pulled into a global capitalist system designed around European needs.

What is the structure - agency interplay in the macro

Macro: sci and tech as tools to rule and administer lands and people

• Surveys → mapped land, populations, resources (so colonizers knew what they could tax or extract).

• Records → censuses, revenue records, legal codification (to “make society legible” for administration).

• Admin strategies/techniques for control → bureaucracy, classification of castes/tribes.

• Infrastructures → railways, telegraphs, canals — built not for locals but for easier governance and extraction.

• Scientific education → trained locals to be “loyal” clerks, doctors, engineers who would support colonial systems.

• Rationalization of surplus extraction → science made exploitation efficient — e.g., agricultural science for higher yields, mining tech for faster extraction.

What is the structure - agency interplay in the micro

• Scientists were not just “neutral observers” — they actively benefited from colonialism.

• They used the colonial enterprise to develop their fields (botany, geology, anthropology, medicine).

• Example: Botanists in India studying plants not just for knowledge, but to serve European markets (tea, cotton, indigo).

• Careers were built on colonial opportunities — many European scientists rose in reputation because they studied “exotic” lands under empire.

What is the relationship between (bio) colonialism and neo liberalism

Biocolonialism and neoliberalism are connected because both use markets, property rights, and science as tools of extraction and control, justified by a moral claim of bringing “development” or “freedom.” Colonialism was carried out by empires and charter companies; neoliberalism is carried out by IFIs (IMF, World Bank), multinational corporations, and trade agreements.

how is Science a tool to fix problems of colonialism

Colonial famines were caused by exploitative policies, but instead of fixing the system, the British used science and agricultural officers as a “tool” to manage the crisis. This made it look like they were helping, while avoiding responsibility for the structural causes — a pattern repeated in modern development practices.

sounds familiar because

• This is a pattern we still see today → using technical/scientific fixes (like new agricultural technologies, “Green Revolution” seeds, or GMOs) to address problems that are actually structural and political (poverty, inequality, land rights).

• It shows how science often gets framed as neutral and objective, when in reality it can serve the interests of those in power.

what is the development towards

towards the European idea of modernity — based on progress, rationalism, science/technology, and material wealth. This often meant displacing local ways of life and forcing societies into a Western framework of what it meant to be “developed.”

what is Structure – Agency Interplay

• Structure (macro): Science & tech served as systemic tools of control for colonial states.

• Agency (micro): Individual scientists also used colonialism as an opportunity to advance their own careers and research.

Together, this shows the interplay: colonial systems shaped science, and scientists shaped colonial systems.

How did S&T and Colonialism Interact

• Structure-Agency Interplay

• To control and administer vast lands colonial authorities used expertise to acquire knowledge about subjects and objects of power. (Marco)

• Scientists used colonial expansion to pursue their own interests (Micro)

Colonialists used science and technology to monitor the people in the land that they conquered, while also using it in help of persuing their own interests

True or false Science and Colonialism facilitate eachother

True, colonialism and science are deeply interconnected — they co-produce and coexist. Colonialism drove the development of scientific knowledge for managing new territories, such as mapping and agricultural studies. At the same time, science and technology enabled more efficient colonization, such as improvements in ships and navigation for sea travel. This interplay shows that science both shaped and was shaped by colonial expansion.

what are the Interrelated factors of bioprospecting

The points you posted are examples of key factors that influence bioprospecting:

1. Global market-based economic rationales

   • Bioprospecting happens because there’s global demand for new drugs, materials, or technologies.

   • Companies see biological resources as economic assets to be traded internationally.

2. Rapid and broad technological changes (in biotech)

   • New biotech tools (genetic sequencing, synthetic biology, gene editing) make bioprospecting easier and more valuable.

   • Technology allows scientists to identify and use resources that were previously inaccessible.

3. Growing interest of pharma to identify prospecting targets with environmental conservation efforts

   • Bioprospecting is often tied to conservation projects (e.g., protecting rainforests where rare species exist).

   • Companies combine resource collection with sustainability claims — but this can be controversial if the local community doesn’t benefit.

4. Efforts to harmonize and standardize global discourses on biodiversity and intellectual property regimes

   • Bioprospecting involves legal and ethical questions about who owns biological resources.

   • International agreements (like the Convention on Biological Diversity) set rules about access, benefit sharing, and patents.

what is bioprospecting 

the search for useful biological resources (plants, microbes, genes, etc.) for commercial or scientific use — often by pharmaceutical or biotech companies.

what are the Interrelated factors of bioprospecting

• Global market-based economic rationales

  • Bioprospecting happens because there’s global demand for new drugs, materials, or technologies.

  • Companies see biological resources as economic assets to be traded internationally.

• Rapid and broad technological changes (in biotech)

  • New biotech tools (genetic sequencing, synthetic biology, gene editing) make bioprospecting easier and more valuable.

  • Technology allows scientists to identify and use resources that were previously inaccessible.

• Growing interest of pharma to identify prospecting targets with environmental conservation efforts

  • Bioprospecting is often tied to conservation projects (e.g., protecting rainforests where rare species exist).

  • Companies combine resource collection with sustainability claims — but this can be controversial if the local community doesn’t benefit.

• Efforts to harmonize and standardize global discourses on biodiversity and intellectual property regimes

  • Bioprospecting involves legal and ethical questions about who owns biological resources.

  • International agreements (like the Convention on Biological Diversity) set rules about access, benefit sharing, and patents.

What are the three forms of social constructivism

1. The material form of technology displays the social, cutural, political and ethnic values of the society that creats them.

2. the different views people can have on technology.  Different cultures can see technology in different ways.  

3. the negotiations at play that lead to the creation of technology.  Many teams of different people and their negotiations are what lead to the creation of a building.