Get S.E.T. for Change

In common usage, people often use the word theory to signify a conjecture, an opinion, or a speculation. In science, a theory is a mathematical or logical explanation, or a testable model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena. Many theories have shaped the world we live in and our belief system as well as social and economic behaviors.  When a body of knowledge converges the results produce profound discoveries and new “systems of belief” which subsequently influences human behavior.I propose that there is indeed a convergence of knowledge underway involving three established theories. The collective convergence provides the boundaries of  new systems developing which in the end produce newly discovered results, both good and bad.  The three established systems of knowledge converging are sociology, economics and technology.  Lets examine their independent definitions as well as a possible collective meaning.
 Sociology  is an academic and applied discipline that studies society and human social interaction. Sociological research ranges from the analysis of short contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to the study of global social processes.

Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species’ usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects human ability to control and adapt to its environment. In human society, it is a consequence of science and engineering,Collectively I will label these three “systems of knowledge” as S.E.T. and suggest the following definition:  Social human interactions which produce, distribute and consume goods and services that are enabled through technological exchanges.

In the past two decades, economic sociologists have contributed programmatic essays and numerous empirical studies to an analysis of the social and institutional context of markets. Sociologists stress the impact of informal social norms, networks, culture, ideology, and power on economic behavior and economic institutions   However, rarely have the mindsets of the intellects studying these systems of knowledge in  the context of markets and the role of technology in accelerating a significant shift and influence on past theories.  Given some apparent convergence between all three previous theories, one is tempted to pose the questions: Is there a different theoretical foundation for S.E.T.? What are the main components of the theoretical core of S.E.T.? 

To answer these questions we can apply the science of macro phenomena (organizational fields) used in terms of common cultural “social constructions” and power distributions. Social networking technologies are creating new value propositions that can lead to economic gains through social exchanges of goods and services.  There already is a shift of power distribution relative to traditional media advertising mediums, see post at http://jayderagon.com/blog/?p=124 and there are many undercurrents pointing to other significant power shifts developing before our eyes. I will be defining more relative to the theories behind S.E.T. later but for now I simply wanted to provide the framework for others to consider and comment on.

Does S.E.T. apply to our current environment of change?   What say you?