Abstract
The author provides a step-by-step introduction into the history and sociology of collective sound images (such as "church bells", "piano", "jazzband" and "walkman") that are set to stabilize and destroy the social order. The study aims to analyze the cultural and social factors that have shaped the innovation process in the field of audio technology. Providing a sophisticated discussion of how sound technologies could be rooted in the traditional cultures of Eastern European, Western European and Japanese societies, the present study attempts to set a counterpoint to the popular concept of a technological globalization. This can be achieved if two argumentation models, “technology push” and “demand pull” are pitted against each other. According to the first model (technology push) new technology results from a chain of technical experiments with the aim of producing new technology. According to the second model (demand pull) innovations are inspired by permanent demands of the communities.
| Translated title of the contribution | The ambiguity of sound images. About the sociology of listening and letting listen. |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Title of host publication | Kippfiguren. Ambivalenz in Bewegung |
| Pages | 111-128 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |