Technology in Working Order: Studies of Work, Interaction, and Technology

Social scientists have shown ongoing interest in how they can contribute to the use, design, operation, and implementation of technology. Substantial funding and research have supported empirically-based fieldwork that has led to important developments across various industrial and practical settings.

Sociology has maintained a long-standing interest in technology, attempting to address its social foundations. This development coincides with growing interest from computer systems developers in sociology’s potential contributions to systems development. By emphasizing principles developed within ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, Technology in Working Order (originally published in 1993, now with a new preface) demonstrates how sociology can examine technology as a socially organised domain of activity.

The volume brings together original research with direct relevance to industrial developments. Topics range from introducing technology into the work of air traffic controllers and police officers, to studies of simulated human-computer interaction and the use of ‘intelligent machines’ in medical settings.

Graham Button is former Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.