Is There a Legitimate 'Luddite' Response to Technology in the Social Studies?

Abstract

The paper attempts to show the contemporary relevance of the historical Luddite critique of technology. It is argued that Luddites were not just machine smashers, but were concerned about what was happening to communities and ways of life and work. The author argues that the application of technology in the social studies can be critiqued from a Luddite perspective. The position taken is not against the use of technology, but rather that technology itself cannot deal with the issues of disenchantment and malaise in modern life. Such issues ought to be primarily addressed by the social studies, especially in terms of addressing such goals as citizenship.