Actor-Network Theory

Posted by Nancy Van House on August 03rd 2011 to

This topic will cover two weeks. 

Updated 10/4/11

ANT is central to STS but often misunderstood and misused.  It has also developed over time.  We’ll read some classics but also look for some current readings.

 

Thurs, Sept. 29

A good intro: Law, J. (1992). Notes on the theory of the actor-network: Ordering, strategy, and heterogenity, (Link fixed)

Callon, M. Some elements of a sociology of translation: domestication of the scallops and the fishermen of St. Brieuc Bay. In Law J. (ed.). Power, Action, and Belief: a New Sociology of Knowledge? Routledge and Kegan Paul: London, 1986.  Classic.

 

Recommended:

Law, J. (1986). On the methods of long-distance control: vessels, navigation, and the Portuguese route to India Power, action and belief: a new sociology of knowledge?   (pp. 234  -263). Routledge . This version was published by heterogeneities.net.  Another classic.

 

Tues, Oct. 4

 

Start reading Latour, B. (2005). Reassembling the social: an introduction to actor-network-theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Read pp.1-86.

It’s dense and important — you can’t read it quickly!  This is far more than an intro to ANT.  My guess is that some of you will find this fascinating, and others will find it bewildering.

Note that pp.10-11 has a useful sidebar, “How to find one’s way in the literature.”  This discussion also has some “tests” for whether a study is ANT.

Recommended: Start with the interlude “On the Difficulty of Being an ANT”, pp. 141-156.

We’ll read Part 1 together this semester.  You’re on your own for Part 2.

 Thurs, Oct 6

 

Finish Latour, pp. 1-87

Read: A. Mol(2010).Actor-Network Theory: sensitive terms and enduring tensions Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie. Sonderheft: v. 50 Pages 253-269

If you have time, read the next chapter of Latour.

We won’t read these but if you’re interested in ANT you must.

Latour, B. (1987). Science in action : How to follow scientists and engineers through society. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Latour, B., & Woolgar, S. (1979). Laboratory life: The social construction of scientific facts. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

 

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