Introducing technology to a traditional society: social and psychological implications

Every society is keen on `development´ through the application of technology. Thanks to the influence of the dominant culture, traditional societies are adopting Western technology, and the experience is not always pleasant. While the ecological and environmental aspects of adoption of new technology have received much attention, the social and psychological aspects have not. Take for example, the case of the atomic power plant at Kalpakkam in southern India. A whole village was evacuated to build the power plant and a major research facility. Of course, some members of the displaced families were given jobs at the power plant, and owners of the land were given some monetary compensation. But the Indian peasant´s love and emotional attachment for the land he tills is rather difficult to be compensated. The Indian villager´s attachment to his land has formed the theme of an award-winning film four decades ago and more specifically the story of a displaced Kalpakkam peasant has formed the theme of an award-winning short story last year. One might, as development aficionados will certainly do, argue that nuclear energy is essential for industrial growth and improved standards of living and it is worth paying a price to have it. The question is who should pay the price and what is the price. As it turns out, often those who enjoy the benefits escape unscathed and those who benefit the least or do not benefit at all end up paying a heavy price