Define The Information Technology Revolution And Critically Analyse Its Role In Creating The Network Society
Define The Information Technology Revolution And Critically Analyse Its Role In Creating The Network Society.The Information Technology Revolution is probably the most important force shaping communities today. While some of the key forces behind the IT revolution are universal, the impacts on any given community will be unique, depending on its individual make up, economic structure, attributes and responses. Technology proves us with the ability to create, process and store information. (Martin 1995, p 33)It can also be said that the world is experiencing a 'third industrial revolution'. This revolution is total, effecting all aspects of our lives. It is a move from collective to individual. (Castells 2000, p 28-35)According to Castells, we are currently experiencing an IT Revolution just as there was an Agricultural Revolution and an Industrial Revolution. He compares the two and then contrasts it by saying that the industrial revolution was slower and localised where as the IT revolution was faster and global. (Castells 2000, p30 ) There is a shift from industrialism (mass production) to informationalism (flexible production). Rather than companies producing in huge volumes, they are beginning to adopt techniq
Silicon Valley was where the integrated circuit, microprocessors and other core computer technologies began. It has profound impact on the kind of economic activity taking place, how it is organised, where it is located, and the kind of jobs it generates. (Feather 1994, p36)Generally speaking, the economic well being of the advanced industrial nations relies on a continual evolution toward value-added, high-productivity, innovation- and knowledge-rich activities. Feather, J (1994) The Information Society: A Study Of Continuity And Change, Library Association Publishing Ltd. (Castells 2000, p50)Most of the major social institutions are becoming reorganised in network form. It involves a morphological transformation of social form and network architecture, which is particularly dynamic, open-ended, flexible, expansive, and using network knowledge. Just-in-time is spreading from manufacturing to distribution to retail, even to hospitals and other institutions, suggesting a reduced need for bricks and mortar in carrying out these activities. Networks are clusters of relationships and may span indefinite ranges of time and space. IT doesn't cause unemployment, however the application of IT changes the nature of work. Jean Baudrillard describes it as a world of signs, symbolism, cultural representation and the simulating of the real. Often these tend to be archaic- a sort of refuge from the swirling chaos of the new order. For example, design functions in a traditional industry like clothing may still be performed domestically, while the manufacturing takes place offshore (outside the country. It reaches out to the whole planet but does not include the whole planet and excludes the majority in an uneven geography, and switches on and links up valuable imputs, markets and individuals whilst it switches others off. Communications at the same time become global and customised. The industrial corporation increasingly takes on the form of s network rather than a hierarchy of established offices.
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