Contemporary society

About: Contemporary society is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3991 publications have been published within this topic receiving 91755 citations.

Science Education for the Twenty First Century

Abstract: This paper argues that the dominant form of science education that is common across the world rests on a set of values that have no merit. Moreover, such practice has a negative impact on students’ attitudes to science. It makes the case that the primary goal of any science education should be to develop scientific literacy and explores what that might consist of and why such an education is necessary in contemporary society. It concludes by examining some of the challenges that such a change might require.

Tourism studies and the social sciences

Abstract: Based upon a social science approach to understanding the significance of tourism in contemporary society, Andrew Holden’s fascinating book highlights tourism as a multidisciplinary area of study with rich and varied theoretical underpinnings. Here, Holden introduces social science disciplines and applies relevant theories to the understanding of tourism. He investigates how the economic and political structures of society influence the manifestation of tourism at a global level, and subsequently considers a variety of topical issues including citizenship and social exclusion, tourism as a form of trade, consumerism, the consequences of tourism, and feminism and ethics. Each chapter includes: a brief introductory summary of the discipline a critique of its main theories and concepts which have relevance to tourism a discussion of how the theories and concepts have been applied to tourism using cases and examples international case studies and examples. Punctuated with study and teaching aids, chapter summaries and ‘think points’ to encourage reflection, this excellent, broad-ranging textbook provides a wider understanding of tourism’s role in society.

Managers Divided: Organisation Politics and Information Technology Management

Abstract: From the Publisher: Identifies and analyzes the social, political and problematic nature of systems and the use of IT in contemporary society. Considers the growing complexity of IT management issues, the changing profiles and organization of the IS profession and the dominant rise of a user relations problem within modern systems development. Features a detailed, case study of a major systems project--from the early decisions involving desirability and design to launch and initial assessment. Analyzes the shift from a technological-led to a strategic and marketing-led use of IT.

Misunderstanding the Internet

Abstract: The growth of the internet has been spectacular There are now more 15 billion internet users across the globe, about one quarter of the worlds population This is certainly a new phenomenon that is of enormous significance for the economic, political and social life of contemporary societies However, much popular and academic writing about the internet takes a technologically deterministic view, assuming that the internets potential will be realised in essentially transformative ways This was especially true in the euphoric moment of the mid-1990s, when many commentators wrote about the internet with awe and wonderment While this moment may be over, its underlying technocentrism the belief that technology determines outcomes lingers on, and with it, a failure to understand the internet in its social, economic and political context Misunderstanding the Internet is a short introduction, encompassing the history, sociology, politics and economics of the internet and its impact on society The book has a simple three part structure: Part 1 looks at the history of the internet, and offers an overview of the internets place in society Part 2 focuses on the control and economics of the internet Part 3 examines the internets political and cultural influence Misunderstanding the Internet is a polemical, sociologically and historically informed textbook that aims to challenge both popular myths and existing academic orthodoxies around the internet