ABSTRACT
The technological determinist case associated with, for example, the convergence thesis, should be rejected. Whilst technology is undoubtedly one factor in any case of industrialization, it clearly is not the only one. Social and political factors have been crucial in the taking of decisions on whether or not to adopt a particular technology, and the effect of this technology has had different effects on social groups such as classes and genders. Current debates around the potential of information technology must be seen in this light, just as historical decisions to invest in new technology should be situated in the context of specific social relations of production.
