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Actor-Network Theory
Actor-network theory (also called the “sociology of translation”) takes the view that all entities (human and nonhuman) take form and acquire their characteristics through their relations with other entities in the location in which they circulate (Callon, 1986; Callon & Latour, 1981; Latour, 1999; Law, 1994, 1999).
Translation refers to (1) the process of making two different things the same, (2) how network builders attract potential new actors, and (3) offering new interpretations of interests and directing attention (Latour, 1987; Law, 1999). In the theory, “the social” (existing and new networks, stakeholder relations, communication patterns, and so on) are what must be explained and should not be assumed. In a course ...
