Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices

The Second Edition of Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices is a collection of 78 articles that examine the social aspects of computerization from a variety of perspectives, many presenting important viewpoints not often discussed in the conventional literature. A number of paired articles comprise thought-provoking head-on debate. Fields represented include computer science, information systems, management, journalism, psychology, law, library science, and sociology. This volume introduces some of the major controversies surrounding the computerization of society and helps readers recognize the social processes that drive and shape computerization. Division into eight provocatively titled sections facilitates course planning for classroom or seminar use. A lead article for each section frames the major controversies, locates the selections within the debates, and points to other relevant literature.

Table of Contents:
Heads Up! Mental Models for Travelling through the Computer World Dreams of Technological Utopianism Economic, Cultural, and Organization Dimensions of Computerization Computerization and the Transformation of Work Social Relationships in Electronic Forums Privacy and Social Control System Safety and Social Vulnerability Ethical Perspectives and Professional Responsibilities for Information and Computer Science Professionals Subject Index

About the Author :
For approximately two decades, Rob Kling has written extensively about the interface between computerization and real society and culture. The emphasis here is on the impact of computerization on organizations (especially corporations) , rather than on individuals within a society as a whole. The eight parts of this book provide a general overview of mental models, technological utopianism and dystopianism, economic and organizational dimensions, the work environment, social and personal relationships, privacy and social control, safety and vulnerability, and ethical perspectives and professional responsibilities. Each introduction concludes with a very useful list of the sources where the anthologized chapters can be found along with a list of references for other publications cited in Kling's introductions and items for further reading. It seems to be written primarily for an undergraduate readership, but could teach and delight graduate students, teachers, information professionals, and the common reader.

Review :
"Computerization raises social, ethical, and moral questions--crises of values--in regard to privacy, intellectual property, governance, identity, social control, and education. This 945-page book collects the best research,theory, and journalism on technology and ethics Ive seen. Its numerous case histories go beyond the abstractions of armchair theory." --Howard Rheingold, in WIRED "Estimations, evaluations, and predictions of the effects of computerization on society have the polarizing force of religious differences...This book attempts to bring this complex, highly-charged conflict into the light of day and open examination. It succeeds admirably...Rob Kling serves as the editor, and he knows whereof he edits...The book achieves its overall purpose very well...Overall, this is a very well-executed anthology." --Thomas A. Peters, University Libraries, Northern Illinois University, in THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE "These essays raise important questions on how computers are transforming our jobs and social and professional relationships, threatening our privacy and much more." --L.R. Shannon, The New York Times "A collection of 47 previously published articles from diverse sources, presented in seven sections: the dreams of technological utopianism, economic and organizational dimensions of computerization, computerization and the transformation of work, social relationships in electronic communities, social control and privacy, security and reliability, and ethical perspectives and professional responsibilities. The editors provide a general introduction and detailed introductions to each section." --SCITECH BOOK NEWS "...a collection of thoughtful and critical views...Dont miss this highly recommended and thought-provoking book." --David Bellin, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn SOCIAL SCIENCE COMPUTER AND REVIEW "...the readings are well-chosen and the package is skilfully [sic] weaved together for teaching purposes. Each of the seven sections opens with a short analytical essay identifying the major issues to be covered and places the following articles in their theoretical and empirical context. It is an impressive text..." --Tom Forester, THE AUSTRALIAN