Conceptual approach to understanding and exploring the cultural meaning of computer according to Jeffrey Alexander

Badri Borandegi, Ali Rabbani


Human phenomena are Significant and all works that are created by humans can carry meaning. These meanings are cultural constructs. Understanding of these meanings is the task of cultural sociology. The main goal of the cultural sociology is to show aspects of the collective unconsciousness. This result is based on unconscious cultural structures that lead society to the ideas of the Enlightenment. However, the process of understanding may change, but the structure does not break apart because Society cannot survive without these structures.

In this research, we ask one question: “what is cultural meaning of Computer based on cultural sociology theory of Jeffrey C. Alexander”? This study seeks to determine the cultural meaning of computer with Knowledge and method of cultural sociology; also we try to understand symbols, codes and narratives about computer according to Alexander.

According to Alexander, computers were coded as good or sacred since its entry into the west public sphere and were presented the good narrative from it, such as salvation narrative, eschatology narrative and Apocalypse narrative. But gradually, the good times ended and the dark side of the computer crash on human and romantic story with computer showed its pathological aspects. Gradually the cultural meaning of computer was different in social life in the West. Computers were coded as an aspect of evil. Population gradually saw the computers as unholy or profane. Computers became the Frankenstein monster in West.

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