sosiomaskinære

Sosiomaskinære is a term used in Norwegian academic discourse to describe the study of interactions between social systems and machine systems. It treats automation, robotics, software, and artificial intelligence as socio-technical artifacts whose deployment and use are inseparable from social practices, organizational structures, norms, and power relations. The field asks how machines shape work, communication, and governance, and how social arrangements, in turn, configure the design, use, and evolution of machines.

Origins and scope: The approach draws on sociotechnical systems theory and science and technology studies. Core ideas include co-construction of technology and society, mutual shaping, and feedback loops between technical configurations and social arrangements. Analysts examine routines, standardization, automation bias, accountability, risk, and resilience in complex settings such as factories, hospitals, offices, and digital platforms.

Methodology and practice: Researchers employ qualitative methods such as ethnography and interviews, as well as quantitative ones like workflow analysis, system mapping, and simulation. Participatory design and ethical impact assessments are commonly used to align automated systems with human needs and organizational goals.

Applications and debates: The framework informs design and governance of automated workplaces, health technologies, transportation systems, and platform ecosystems. It supports policy discussions on AI ethics, data governance, labor implications, and safety. Critics warn against technological determinism, over-simplification of social factors, and technocratic biases that neglect local contexts.