Dreamscapes of Modernity: Sociotechnical Imaginaries and the Fabrication of Power

Dreamscapes of Modernity examines how societies envision and pursue scientific and technological futures through what Jasanoff terms "sociotechnical imaginaries." The book brings together research from multiple scholars to analyze how different cultures and nations construct their technological aspirations and development pathways. The collection presents case studies from across the globe, including nuclear power in Austria, biotechnology in India, and renewable energy in Germany. These studies reveal how scientific and technological projects become intertwined with national identity, political power, and social order. Through empirical analysis and theoretical frameworks, the book demonstrates the role of collective imagination in shaping technological progress. The authors explore how different societies imagine and implement their versions of modernity through science and technology policies. This work opens new perspectives on the relationship between power, knowledge, and social order in modern societies. It provides insights into how cultural values and political systems influence the direction of technological development and scientific research.

Readers describe this academic text as theoretically dense but valuable for understanding how societies envision and shape technological futures. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of "sociotechnical imaginaries" concept - Strong case studies from multiple countries - Useful framework for analyzing technology policy - Interdisciplinary approach combining STS and political theory Common criticisms: - Heavy academic jargon makes it inaccessible - Some chapters are more relevant than others - Case studies could be more current - Price point is high for individual readers From a PhD student on Goodreads: "The theoretical framework is robust but takes work to fully grasp." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (23 ratings) Amazon: No ratings available Google Books: 4/5 (2 ratings) The book appears most frequently in academic citations and course syllabi rather than consumer review sites, reflecting its primary audience of scholars and graduate students.

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🔍 Sheila Jasanoff coined the term "sociotechnical imaginaries" to describe how societies envision their scientific and technological futures 🌏 The book explores how different cultures and nations develop vastly different visions of technological progress, despite having access to the same scientific knowledge 👥 The concept of sociotechnical imaginaries has been applied to understand diverse topics from nuclear power policies to biotechnology regulations across different countries 🎓 Sheila Jasanoff pioneered the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where she founded the Program on Science, Technology and Society 📚 The book draws on case studies from six continents, examining how collective visions of progress shape everything from national energy policies to public health initiatives