New approaches in the design of information technologies for work practices are
drawing upon theories from sociology, anthropology, and social philosophy. Under the
labels of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Participatory Design
(PD), work is done to "neturn" to design insights gained in the social study of the use of
technological artifacts. Aftera brief introduction of these developments, the article zooms
in on those authors for whom "better" technologies refer to hopes for more democratic
and more worker-oriented workplaces. How do these approaches conceptualize "humans, " "machines, " and their interrelation in work practices? The conceptual engine
which generates the analytical and political power of this approach, I argue, thrives upon
the assertion of an ontological difference between the realms of "technology" and
"human work. " What are the consequences of such conceptualizations for design? How
do different ways of depicting "technology" and "work practice" yield different politics
of technology?
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