ABSTRACT

First published in 1997. Information processing is crucial to social life and an important element of control. Innovations in information processing have the potential to dramatically alter social relations. Understanding the process of technology innovation and diffusion as well as the economic, social, political and cultural impact of a diffusing/diffused technology is crucial to understanding society as technology is often the impetus for social change. This book addresses both the process and impact of technology innovation as it relates to communication technology.

part |66 pages

Part One

chapter I|33 pages

Origin and Diffusion of New Technology

chapter II|30 pages

Telegraph Innovation: Origin and Diffusion

part |102 pages

Part Two

chapter III|27 pages

Telegraph and Formal Organizations

chapter V|12 pages

The Telegraph and Culture

chapter VI|10 pages

The Telegraph and Social Stratification

chapter VII|12 pages

The Telegraph and the Judicial System

chapter |6 pages

Conclusion