entechnologische

Entechnologische is a term used in some German-language discourses to describe tendencies, practices, or policies that aim to reduce reliance on technology or to reintroduce non-technological approaches in daily life and governance. As a neologism, it combines a negating or de-emphasizing prefix with technologisch (technological) to capture a move away from highly technologized systems toward simplification, human-scale processes, or traditional methods. The term is not standardized in dictionaries, but it appears in philosophical, sociological, and sustainability writings that analyze the social implications of rapid technological change.

In academic debates, entechnologische perspectives examine questions of autonomy, resilience, and social equity. Proponents may point to practices such as appropriate technology, localism, repair culture, simplified design, offline education, and community energy models as examples of entechnologische approaches. The concept is used to contrast with technocratic or highly automated regimes and to discuss how societies might balance efficiency gains with social welfare, privacy, and ecological impact.

Critics argue that complete de-technologization is impractical for modern economies and that many benefits of technology are essential for safety and well-being. The usefulness of the term often lies in highlighting trade-offs rather than advocating a total reversal. Related concepts include de-technologization, degrowth, appropriate technology, and technostress, which together help map how communities negotiate technology's role in development and everyday life.