Synopses & Reviews
This book employs a critical sociology to focus on science and technology and their relationship to development. While "knowledge" and the ways it is created and privileged has been increasingly critiqued, the specific role of technology in shaping development has received little focus. Science and technology are not neutral but shape their context and are shaped dialectically in return. Organized around key ideas and debates and using case study material from Africa, Latin American and Asia, a range of technologies are examined, including biotechnology, tissue culture technology, bioenergy and "appropriate technologies," ICT, genomics and pharmaceuticals, vaccine developments, and nanotechnologies. Asking among other questions if the promise of future technological breakthroughs actually work to distance meaningful development from the present, this book is essential reading for all students of development.
Synopsis
How can science realize its potential and help us tackle global inequality, environmental change and crippling poverty? How can more appropriate technologies be developed for those most in need? Science has long promised much -- new crops, new medicines, new sources of energy, new means of communication -- but the potential of new technologies has frequently bypassed the poorest people and the poorest countries.
In Science and Technology for Development, James Smith explores the complex relationship between society and technology, and the potential for science to make sustainable contributions to global development. Drawing on case studies from Africa, Latin America and Asia, the author argues that we need to think carefully about science and development, otherwise the perpetual promise of future technological breakthroughs may simply work to distance meaningful development from the present.
This book is essential reading for all students of development.
About the Author
James Smith is a Lecturer in African Studies at the University of Edinburgh, UK.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Acronyms
Introduction
1. Rethinking Technology for Development
2. The Institutionalisation and Internationalization of Science
3. Making Technology Work for the Poor?
4. Governing Technologies for Development
5. Conclusion: Can Technology Transform Development?
Glossary
Bibliography