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Social Context of Computing

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Book cover Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age

Part of the book series: Texts in Computer Science ((TCS))

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Abstract

After reading this chapter, the reader should be able to: 1. Interpret the social context of a particular software/hardware implementation. 2. Identify assumptions and values embedded in a particular computer product design including those of a cultural nature. 3. Evaluate a particular computing tool implementation through the use of empirical data. 4. Describe positive and negative ways in which computing alters the modes of interaction between people. 5. Explain why computing/network access is restricted in some countries. 6. Learn the impact of the digital divide. 7. Understand how income, geography, race, and culture influence access to information technology and technology in general. 8. Analyze the role and risks of computing in the implementation of public policy and government. 9. Articulate the impact of the input deficit from diverse populations in the computing profession.

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References

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Further Readings

  • Bailyn, Lotte. “Towards a Perfect Workplace.” Communications of the ACM, 32(4), 1989, pp. 460-471.

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  • Flynn, L. “They Are Watching You: Electronic Surveillence of Workers Raises Privacy Concerns.” San Jose Mercury News, June 13, 1993, p. 1 F.

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  • Payser, Marc. “When E-mail Is Oops-Mail: Think Your Private Messages Are Private? Think Again.” Newsweek, October 16, 1995, p. 82.

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  • Sauter, Steven, Mark Gottlieb, Karen Jones, Vernon Dodson, and Kathryn Rohner. “Job and Health Implications of VDT Use: Initial Results of the Wisconsin NIOSH Study.” Communications of the ACM, 26(4), 1983, pp. 284-294.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN, USA

    Prof. Joseph Migga Kizza

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  1. Prof. Joseph Migga Kizza
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Correspondence to Joseph Migga Kizza .

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Kizza, J.M. (2010). Social Context of Computing. In: Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age. Texts in Computer Science. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-038-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-038-0_7

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84996-037-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84996-038-0

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