TA positions and TA storylines; towards a social constructionist framework of Technology Assessment
by Luk Van Langenhove, Robert Berloznik
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 11, No. 5/6, 1996

Abstract: This paper addresses Technology Assessment (TA) from a social constructionist viewpoint. It will be argued that there exist a variety of TA practices and discourses instead of one single TA approach. Moreover it will be argued that doing TA is essentially a process of labelling a scientific or political practice as TA. Part one of this paper will present an analysis of the different institutionalizations of TA. There will be an emphasis on management and methodology issues. In part two, we will discuss social constructionism and its relevance for understanding and better organizing TA. Part three will present the outline of a new social constructionist theoretical approach of TA: positioning theory. Following positioning theory, a study of TA should start with the study of TA discourses using the concepts TA-positions, TA-acts and TA-story lines. Understanding the relationship between technology and social change implies a better understanding of the ways in which TA-storylines develop. The paper will end with a discussion of the practical consequences of this theoretical approach, especially from the point of view of how institutions can better organize TA.

Online publication date: Fri, 22-May-2009

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