Actor-network theory

Definition

Actor-network theory (ANT) is a theoretical framework that explores the relationships and interactions between human and non-human actors within networks. It emphasizes the role of various entities, including objects, technologies, and social structures, in shaping social reality and understanding how power operates within these networks. ANT challenges traditional distinctions between subjects and objects by treating both as equally influential in constructing meaning and agency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ANT was developed in the 1980s by scholars like Bruno Latour, Michel Callon, and John Law, who sought to understand how scientific knowledge is constructed through networks.
2. Actor-network theory posits that all actors within a network, whether human or non-human, have the potential to influence outcomes, shifting the focus from traditional sociological models that prioritize human agency.
3. In ANT, 'actors' can include anything from people to technologies, institutions, or even concepts like culture, illustrating the importance of materiality in social analysis.
4. ANT often uses the term 'black box' to describe how certain scientific facts or technologies become accepted as truth over time, obscuring the processes that led to their establishment.
5. This framework encourages researchers to trace the connections and negotiations within a network to understand how meanings are constructed and maintained.

Review Questions

• How does actor-network theory redefine the concept of agency in social interactions?
  • Actor-network theory redefines agency by asserting that both human and non-human actors can exert influence within social interactions. It breaks down traditional distinctions between subjects and objects, allowing for a more holistic understanding of how meaning and power are constructed through networks. This perspective shifts the focus from solely human decision-making to consider how technology and material culture play crucial roles in shaping outcomes.
• Discuss how the concept of 'translation' functions within actor-network theory and its significance for understanding social dynamics.
  • In actor-network theory, 'translation' refers to the processes by which actors negotiate their interests and align others to form a cohesive network. This concept is significant because it highlights how different perspectives are reconciled in the pursuit of common goals, illustrating that relationships within networks are not fixed but constantly evolving. Translation helps uncover how power dynamics shift as actors engage with one another, reflecting the complexities of social interaction.
• Evaluate the implications of treating non-human entities as actors within actor-network theory for our understanding of visual and material culture.
  • Treating non-human entities as actors within actor-network theory has profound implications for our understanding of visual and material culture. It encourages a reevaluation of how objects, technologies, and environments influence cultural practices and societal norms. By acknowledging the agency of material items, researchers can uncover hidden narratives about power relations and cultural meanings that are often overlooked in traditional analyses focused solely on human agency. This approach fosters a more nuanced appreciation for how visual culture is constructed through intricate networks involving both people and things.

Related terms

Agency: The capacity of an actor to act independently and make choices, often applied to both human and non-human entities in ANT.

Translation: The process through which actors negotiate their interests and align others to achieve common goals within a network.

Network: A complex web of relationships and interactions between various actors, both human and non-human, that form the basis of actor-network theory.