Technocrat (derogatory)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article discusses the use of the term technocrat in its derogatory sense. For other uses of the term, see Technocracy (disambiguation).

The term "technocrat" in current usage refers to individuals with technical training and occupations who tend to perceive important societal problems as technological in nature, while proposing largely technology-focused solutions to the various problems. This term is mainly used by technology policy analysts who focus their research on the power struggles and conflicts of interest present when different occupational groups compete for societal resources and authority. According to this theory, originally introduced by the administrative scientist Gunnar K. A. Njalsson, technocrats are primarily driven by their cognitive "problem-solution mindsets" and only in part by particular occupational group interests. Their activities and the increasing success of their ideas are thought to be a crucial factor behind the modern spread of technology and the largely ideological concept of the "Information Society". This definition goes further than its predecessors in distinquishing technocrats from "econocrats" and "bureaucrats" - groups whose problem-solution mindsets differ from those of the technocrats.

[edit] Derogatory usage

Stemming from the above description, a derogatory meaning of the word technocrat has developed. In this sense, calling someone a "technocrat" implies that he is part of a bureaucracy where decisions are handed down by unelected officials chosen according to their real or supposed technical knowledge. The derogatory usage may also apply outside the realm of politics. In any case, the full implications are that:^{[citation needed]}

• a technocrat's decisions lack democratic legitimacy;
• a technocrat's decisions are often inadequate, because they are taken remotely and do not take into account the actual parameters of the situation;
• a technocrat's decisions reflect his ideological biases.

In contrast to this derogatory meaning, some use the term "technocrat" to refer to professionals with superior technical knowledge who can put aside personal biases and partisan rivalries in order to "get the job done". Thus, calling someone a "technocrat" may be a positive remark. For instance, a foreign minister, who possess superior linguistic skills and knowledge of the world, and who puts aside both his personal interests and the interests of his political party for the sake of serving his country would be a "technocrat" in this positive sense.

Whether the term "technocrat" carries a positive or negative connotation depends largely on the context, audience and the intent of the person using it.