Historisk tidskrift 126:1 • 2006
Innehåll (Contents) 2006:1
Uppsatser (Articles)
Hughes teori om Stora tekniska system
Mats Bladh
Fulltext (pdf)
Summary
Hughes’s Theory on Large Technical Systems
Networks of Power, Thomas P Hughes’s classic work in the history
of technology, established analysis of Large Technical Systems
as a field of study. This article introduces Hughes’s ideas to
a wider audience of historians. It also argues that the actual
structure of Hughes’s book differs somewhat from the one presented
by the author himself in the introduction to the book. The underlying
structure of the book is a three-stage model characterized both
of geographical extension and types of electricity.
Central concepts
are discussed, such as ”reverse salients/critical problems”,
”system”, technical core”, ”technological momentum”, “technological
style”, ”interconnections”, ”economic mix” and ”load factor”.
Attention is also paid to Hughes interest in technological transfer
and in the role of individual actors.
Hughes’s theory is discussed
in relation to Wiebe Bijker’s ”interpretative flexibility” and
Nathan Rosenberg’s ”path dependence.” Furthermore, Hughes is
criticized for neglecting the importance of use or consumption
of electricity, giving sole attention to the production of electricity.
Despite such criticism, Hughes’s perspective can be developed
into a clear ”sociotechnical” position avoiding both technical
determinism and social reductionism.
Keywords
technology, history, theory, socio-tecnical, systems, power,
momentum, determinism
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