Technocapital

From Robo Culture Wiki

The Concept of Techno Capital By Kris Brockelbank

Academics need to consider the argument of whether techno-capital is a metaphorical or absolute term. Academics that engage with the concept of culture, define many forms of capital. Since societal members use various types of capital, a brief definition is warranted. Capital consists of a set of socially distinctive tastes, skills, practical knowledge, that is “objectified in cultural objects and embodied as implicit practical knowledge, skills and dispositions” (Mehus, 2007: 322). Capital alters depending on the context one uses. Academics invoke the use of a multi-faceted concept as cultural, social, and, informational capital all exist. I suggest that capital allows for individuals to advantage themselves over others. These individuals gain the knowledge and skills as they exercise the type of capital needed to be successful in societal affairs. From this definition, I argue that scholars develop multiple types of capital and the term capital is non-absolute.

Technology adds a new outlook to the existing academic research on “capital.” Scholars derive various definitions of technology. Technology at the basic level is an instrument which humans use (Slack & Wyse, 2007: 45). Moreover, technology either influences culture or the culture influences the technology at work (Slack & Wyse, 2007: 45-46). The question arises if technological advancements belong to the people holding this capital or do cultural needs further technological infrastructure. Mehus argues that cultural capital requires people to either rise to the top positions in society or become disadvantaged due to being denied types of capital (Mehus, 2005: 322-323). The interesting dilemma which arises is whether the cultural capital is determined by the elites or if the technology determines the cultural power in society. Informational capital works with the concept of technology. Individuals use technology to access crucial information and to make informed decisions about life and work.

Technology contains this information and requires individuals to operate them in order to receive access. Informational capital is considered the current stage of capitalism due to the dominance of technology through its use of knowledge generation, information processing, and symbolic communication (Sum, 2003: 374). Sum argues that knowledge serves as the main source of productivity which helps to protect the competitive advantages of firms (Sum, 2003: 374). The individuals or firms operate these machines which help business efficiency. The employees use these machines to follow business mandates and ultimately the production and knowledge stays within the company hierarchy.

Informational capital is also a non-absolute term. Sum argues that informational capital is an intrinsic process highly evolved with technological, economical, juridical-political, and ideological influences (Sum, 2003: 374-375). I agree with Sum as technology furthers societal inequality. Machine usage promotes the ideological functions of businesses as knowledge is produced for consumerism. Technology as an instrument provides firms with the ammunition they need to produce knowledge for profit. Without these machines humans produce less work, and productivity hinges solely on human effort. Scholars must address the issue of whether individuals internalize the core work culture or if technology develops notions of inequality and capitalism.

I define techno capital as the ability for machinery to advantage humans over others. Humans gain access to these instruments and via application they expand their knowledge base and make more critical life choices. The internet exemplifies the concept of techno capital. Rural internet dwellers gain access to minuet forms of information due to the depleted technological infrastructure. High speed users on the other hand, download songs, movies, and on a whole inform themselves of extensive political and economic issues. The dial-up users advocate for change yet they consume less knowledge due to the technological limitations. Broadband users use the internet for multiple functions. They bank on-line, purchase goods and even video conference with workers and family. Broad-band machinery through the use of high-speed technology provides this techno capital advantage to its users.

By analyzing sociological and cultural concepts of capital there is no absolute application. Capital is a multifaceted term influenced by various societal, business and cultural objectives. Capital justifies the knowledge production for some. Productivity helps to further the advantages for the few who gain access to this capital. Technology provides the backbone for capitalism and furthers the concept of a specific type of capital entitled “techno capital.” Academics must address who receives this techno capital and for what reason.

References

Mehus, I. (2007). Distinction through Sports Consumption: Spectators of Soccer, Basketball, and Ski-jumping. International Review For The Sociology Of Sport, 30(3), 321-333.

Slack, J., & Wise, J. (2007). Culture + Technology: a Primer. New York, NY: Peter Lang.

Sum, N. (2003). Informational Capitalism and U.S. Economic Hegemony: Resistance and Applications in East Asia. Critical Asian Studies, 35(3), 373-398.