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The Diffusion of “Small” Western Technologies in the Middle East

Invention, Use and Need in the 19th and 20th Centuries

By: Uri M. Kupferschmidt

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The Diffusion of “Small” Western Technologies in the Middle East

Invention, Use and Need in the 19th and 20th Centuries

By: Uri M. Kupferschmidt

In recent years we have become interested in the diffusion of “small” Western technologies in the countries of the Middle East during the 19th and 20th centuries, the era of Imperialism and first globalization. We postulated a contrast between “small” and “big” technologies. Under the latter category we may understand railway systems, electricity grids, telegraph networks, and steam navigation, imposed by foreign powers or installed by connected local entrepreneurs. But many “small” Western technologies, such as sewing machines, typewriters, pianos, eyeglasses, and similar consumer goods, which had been developed and manufactured in Europe and America, were wanted, and willingly acquired by the agency of individual users elsewhere. In a few cases, however, the inventions had to be adapted, or were overstepped, and even delayed. Some were adopted as social markers or status symbols only by elites who could afford them. Processes of adoption and diffusion therefore differed according to cultural settings, preferences, and needs. Social and cultural historians, and social scientists, not only of the Middle East, will find in this collection of essays a new approach to the impact of Western technological inventions on the Middle East.

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Page Count

307

Publisher

Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published Date

ISBN 10

3110777304

ISBN 13

9783110777307

The Diffusion of “Small” Western Technologies in the Middle East

Invention, Use and Need in the 19th and 20th Centuries

By: Uri M. Kupferschmidt

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Diffusion of “Small” Western Technologies in the Middle East

Invention, Use and Need in the 19th and 20th Centuries

By: Uri M. Kupferschmidt

In recent years we have become interested in the diffusion of “small” Western technologies in the countries of the Middle East during the 19th and 20th centuries, the era of Imperialism and first globalization. We postulated a contrast between “small” and “big” technologies. Under the latter category we may understand railway systems, electricity grids, telegraph networks, and steam navigation, imposed by foreign powers or installed by connected local entrepreneurs. But many “small” Western technologies, such as sewing machines, typewriters, pianos, eyeglasses, and similar consumer goods, which had been developed and manufactured in Europe and America, were wanted, and willingly acquired by the agency of individual users elsewhere. In a few cases, however, the inventions had to be adapted, or were overstepped, and even delayed. Some were adopted as social markers or status symbols only by elites who could afford them. Processes of adoption and diffusion therefore differed according to cultural settings, preferences, and needs. Social and cultural historians, and social scientists, not only of the Middle East, will find in this collection of essays a new approach to the impact of Western technological inventions on the Middle East.

Average ratings

N/A

5

0%

4

0%

3

0%

2

0%

1

0%

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

307

Publisher

Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published Date

ISBN 10

3110777304

ISBN 13

9783110777307