Indeed, large majorities describe a range of technological advances as changes for the better, with only those innovations involving nuclear power sparking less enthusiasm.
The public is nearly unanimous in describing the invention of the radio (96%) and the automobile (91%) as changes for the better, while a more recent innovation - the computer - ranks close behind (87%). Technological advances that dramatically changed the way Americans work and live top the public’s list of positive achievements during the past century. Americans are equally mixed about many biomedical advances. But the benefits of other changes - the growth of the suburbs, spending habits and even popular music - are more ambiguous to the public, and few are seen as improvements by clear majorities.
Two societal shifts of the late 20th century - the civil rights movement and women in the workplace - are now woven into our cultural identity and are viewed favorably by nearly everyone. The same cannot be said of cultural change. In fact, the only scientific advances the public does not embrace are nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Younger generations are somewhat more enthusiastic about many recent innovations, although few Americans or groups rate the advent of any of these technologies as changes for the worse. Inventions involving communications and travel win plaudits from broad cross sections of the public. On the whole, technological changes are viewed as advancements for the better, while cultural changes are evolutions of mixed value to society. Americans have decidedly different views of the technical and cultural changes of the 20th century.
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