1.1. Actor-Network Theory (ANT)

Actor-Network Theory (ANT) was developed in the field of Science and Technology Studies as a means of conceptualising relations between people and material objects, or rather how those ‘actants’ own conceptualisations form shifting relationships that may be stabilised into material form. ANT originated through work of sociologists Callon, Latour, Law and colleagues in the 1980s, at the Centre de Sociologie de l'Innovation (CSI) of the École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris. Recent work has included a focus on democracy, technology and the ‘politics of things’ (e.g. the architecture of parliamentary assemblies) (see Latour & Weibel, 2005).


ANT treats “existing structures” as defined by social patterns institutionalized (“inscribed” in technology), and hence not necessarily confined to specific institutions such as organizations, neither determined by social practices (as technology is also “acting”). “Actor networks” are the most salient structures driving the technological development by “negotiations”.


References:

Latour, B., & Weibel (Eds.) (2005). Making Things Public: Atmospheres of Democracy. Boston: MIT Press.

Next: Activity Theory