Of Bicycles, Bakelites, and Bulbs
Eloquent
Intelligent
Insightful

Of Bicycles, Bakelites, and Bulbs Toward a Theory of Sociotechnical Change

The stories of the safety bicycle, the first truly synthetic plastic, and the fluorescent light bulb - each a fascinating case study in itself- reflect a cross-section of time periods, engineering and scientific disciplines, and economic, social, and political cultures. The bicycle story explores such issues as the role of changing gender relationships in shaping a technology; the Bakelite story examines the ways in which social factors intrude even in cases of seemingly pure chemistry and entrepreneurship; and the fluorescent bulb story offers insights into the ways in which political and economic relationships can affect the form of a technology.
Sign up to use

Reviews

Photo of Antonio Bevilacqua
Antonio Bevilacqua@tonca
3.5 stars
Mar 8, 2024
Ironic
Eloquent
Insightful
Intelligent
Thought provoking
Photo of Joshua Line
Joshua Line@fictionjunky
3 stars
Dec 30, 2022