Actor-Network Theory: sensitive terms and enduring tensions

Open Access
Authors
Publication date 2010
Journal Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie. Sonderheft
Volume | Issue number 50
Pages (from-to) 253-269
Organisations
  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) - Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
Abstract
ANT is not a "theory", or, if it is, then a "theory" does not necessarily offer a coherent
framework, but may as well be an adaptable, open repository. A list of terms. A set of sensitivities. If ANT is a theory, then a theory helps to tell cases, draw contrasts, articulate silent layers, turn questions upside down, focus on the unexpected, add to one’s sensitivities, propose new terms, and shift stories from one context to another. In this presentation of "Actor Network Theory" the terms "actor", "network", "theory", as well as the terms "order" and "coordination", will be explored. But mind you. ANT does not define these terms, but rather plays with them. It does not seek coherence. It does not build a stronghold. Instead of crafting an overall scheme that becomes more and more solid as it gets more and more refined, ANT texts are out to move - to generate, to transform, to translate. To enrich. And to betray.
Document type Article
Language English
Downloads
330874.pdf (Final published version)
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