Technocracy: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek words 'techne' meaning skill or art, and 'kratos' meaning power or rule.
• It was first coined in the early 20th century, reflecting the rise of industry and technology in society.
• The term gained popularity during the 1930s amid concerns about economic efficiency and resource management.

Historical Context

• In the early 1930s, an organization called the Technocracy Inc. emerged in the United States, advocating for a system based on scientific principles.
• Technocrats believed that technology could effectively solve social and economic issues, promoting a planned economy.
• Countries like China have implemented aspects of technocratic governance, emphasizing the role of technical experts in decision-making.

Pop Culture

• Technocracy has been depicted in various dystopian films and literature, often highlighting the dangers of technology overpowering human emotion.
• Books like 'The Circle' by Dave Eggers explore the implications of a world driven by technology and big data in governance.
• Music genres like synth-pop emerged alongside the rise of technology, often reflecting futuristic and technocratic themes.

Science

• Technocrats advocate for the use of big data and analytics to inform public policy and resource allocation.
• The application of technology in governance can lead to more efficient public services, such as smart cities using IoT for traffic management.
• However, there are concerns over privacy, as the reliance on technology in governance requires the collection of significant amounts of personal data.

Psychology

• The technocratic approach may lead to a belief in 'technological determinism,' where technology is seen as the sole driver of societal changes.
• The reliance on expert decision-making can create a psychological distance between citizens and their government, impacting public trust.
• People may feel alienated by decisions made purely on technical expertise, overshadowing human values and emotions.

This word's position of #34,397 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 34394 disarticulation
• 34395 catastrophically
• 34396 frontally
• 34397 technocracy
• 34398 appertained
• 34399 bong
• 34400 dulcimer
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