Technological Perspectives on Behavioral Change

by Michael Brian Schiffer

Overview

Human societies have always been characterized by a dependence on artifacts, from prehistoric stone tools to modern electronic devices. Technology responds to and affects virtually all human behavior; yet the interdependence of behavior and artifacts has never been studied intensively. Archaeologist Schiffer now draws on his discipline's familiarity with artifacts—and the processes of change they reveal—to offer new insight into the study of behavioral change. Drawing on case studies that deal with changes in architecture, ceramics and electronic technology, he emphasizes the central idea that the explanations of change must focus on the nexus of behavior and artifacts in the context of activities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780816511952
Publisher:	University of Arizona Press
Publication date:	07/01/1992
Series:	Culture and Technology
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

Editorial Reviews

Seven essays written over the past decade draw on the reactions to technological change that are embedded in archaeological records and have been observed during recent years, to provide evidence that is sufficiently longitudinal to point at least in the general direction of laws of human behavior. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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