Keying in Social Work Practice

Abstract

This chapter is not intended as speculation — whether about political and economic developments — or about technological progress. Rather it aims to set out realistic prospects for the next few years — up to the end of the 1880s — or, if economic circumstances continue to apply a brake, into the 1990s. General developments in computing will have a useful impact on the economic situation, because there is no reason to predict an end to cheaper equipment. In relation to their capabilities computers have fallen massively in price, perhaps by as much as a factor of 10 times over the last decade. The reasons are a mixture of technological and production factors — ever more efficient processing circuits, smaller size needing less raw materials, the benefits of mass production and substantial competition between manufacturers.