TECHNOLOGIES AS TEXTS AND AFFORDANCE

An Hutchby discusses opposing views of technology –– “realism” (the idea that technologies have natural or inherent properties that determine their use and meaning) versus “constructivism” (the idea that the meaning or use of a technology is social determined). Hutchby introduces the concept of “affordances” as an alternative conception of technologies.

In this response, please address the following questions:

1) What is the “technologies as texts” perspective (e.g., Grint and Woolgar)? Why does Hutchby think that this perspective is limited?

2) What is an “affordance”? What are some example of affordances in the context of animals and nature? How does the example of “Ruth” and the printer illustrate the concept of technological affordances?

Answer preview

According to Hutchby (2001), Grint and Woolgar give an explanation of the technologies as texts perspective. They say that technologies ought to be treated as texts which are configured in a certain manner by their producers, marketers, and their developers that also have to be interpreted to specific details by their consumers. The perspective illustrates the fact that the developers of certain technology texts might create them with the intent of conveying a particular message but the consumers might end up interpreting the texts differently: one that perfectly suits their understanding…