On the present state of information society studies

Abstract

The paper assesses the present condition of the emerging specialism of information society studies. The main discoveries of macrolevel information society research are identified and appraised. The information society thesis really exists in several distinct forms or ‘versions’, reflecting varied disciplinary and national backgrounds. The most influential version, originating in the economics of Fritz Machlup, posits a growing information sector. However, Machlupism is somewhat counter-intuitive and vulnerable on methodological grounds. Conversely, the less well-known Japanese ‘johoka shakai’ research front, which measures telecommunication flows across whole societies, has much to offer information society studies. A third version, to which the British futurist Ian Miles has made a significant contribution, emphasises the diffusion of information technology. The paper argues that we require -- and, notwithstanding the efforts of sociologists Daniel Bell and Manuel Castells, are still awaiting -- a balanced synthesis of the several versions; a synthetic methodology should also address the concerns expressed in a powerful tradition of Left criticism of the information society. The paper then takes stock of information society studies considered institutionally as a semi-organised research specialism, locating its position within Michael Keresztesi’s science of bibliography. Some practical recommendations are made for the establishment of information society studies in the academy.