Theories of the Information Society

by Frank Webster

Information has come to be regarded as a symbol of the age in which we live. Talk nowadays is of an `information technology' revolution, even of an `information society'. But just what does this mean? In Theories of the Information Society Frank Webster sets out to make sense of the information explosion. He examines and assesses a variety of `images of the information society', and takes a sceptical look at what thinkers mean when they do refer to an `information society'. He looks closely at different approaches to informational developments, and provides critical commentaries on all the major post-war theories.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Science, Sociology, Academic, Grad School, Technology

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Frank Webster has been Professor of Sociology at Oxford Brookes University, the University of Birmingham and City University London.

Reviews

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally I liked this book, but the chapter on postmodernism is just absurd. Webster has just misunderstood postmodernism altogether and it doesn`t get any better when he based on his prejudices ridicules and diminishes postmodernism. The older generation loves hating on postmodernism (I knew that) but this was just under the belt.

[Fredrik · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to theories of the Information Society among major thinkers. Webster goes through them in a logical way and both summarizes and critiques as he goes along. Although I did not agree with all parts of his argument, I found it interesting and worthwhile.

[Lexie Lawless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before this book, I considered myself fluent in English, but as it turns out, I'm not. I had my online dictionary up and going throughout all my reading sessions to be able to make notes in Swedish. Translating this posed much more of a challenge than any other book. I also felt like some of the pages were written under the assumption that all of its readers were in tune with American linguistic expressions , which I am obviously not. (There's no straight translation and definition for "white-collar workers" in Swedish, to make an example. I had to Google the context of a lot of these words to be able to make decent notes that didn't remove or add meaning to them.)

As a part of a course in my education to become a librarian, I started this book the way I start with most books: well ahead of schedule. In this case, it was a good call, better than most, because once I did need the extra days to really get into it. This book is so rich on information, you'll probably need to set off only a few hours a day to actually be able to absorb anything. And by that I don't mean that it's a horrible read - it's just easier to retain the information conveyed if you take a few breaks to ponder what you just read.

With that said I do think it's a highly competent book in reviewing and explaining some theories of society as it is today. It does a good job of connecting the dots between views on society as seen from different fields of expertise. I do feel like I understand the world better now!

[Josh Guberman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and thought provoking read. Throughout most of the book, it’s very clear that Webster has strong opinions, but rather unclear as to what those opinions are and to what/whom they pertain. One can likely glean all they need to know about Webster’s arguments from chapters 1-3 and 13, although the rest of the book is at least worth a thourough skim.

[Yuliani Desu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bleh! He examined the theories without quoting them. The intro seems interesting. He also didn't define what is the information society term means. Just explains what are the criteria, blah blah and blah. Not a good book for quick-reading

[Jonas Stephan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not great to live in an information society.

[Nick Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, poignant and to the point.

[Fereshte M · Rating 5 out of 5]

با ترجمه‌ي "اسماعیل قدیمی"
از سري كتابخواني هاي كنكوري كه دوستش دارم

[Karla Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential for my dissertation.

[Jonas Stephan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

God so good Corking