Question:

Select two of the following theories:

– Technological determinism

– Social shaping of technology

– Social construction of technology

– Actor-Network theory

– Domestication theory

Compare and contrast these theories, using one or two technological artefact to develop your analysis. Must include electric toothbrush as one technological artifact.

Word count: 2000 words +/- 10% (excludes references). You will be penalized if your essay is outside this range.

Evidence: Minimum 10 peer-reviewed sociological sources ie books and journal articles. NOTE: Wikipedia is not an academic source. You can use your textbook and other tutorial readings as starting points and to help you locate other relevant sociological sources.

Referencing: Chicago in text citations

The research essay is intended to help you develop your ability to do in-depth research on a single topic, to communicate coherently, and to develop a convincing sociological argument supported by relevant evidence and analysis. In this essay, we want you to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the two theories you choose, and an ability to use these theories to examine a technological artifact.

A good sociology essay is not a statement of your opinion; it is an engagement with and analysis of the sociological literature in a way that advances understanding of social phenomena. Your essay should synthesise conceptual/theory research and the most up-to-date and relevant empirical evidence on the topic. The introduction to your essay must state your argument and provide a roadmap to the essay. The conclusion should provide a summary of the argument, and a recap of the evidence expected to compel the reader’s agreement.