Posted: December 6th, 2016

Consider and discuss some group relationship that you have from an Actor-Network Theory (ANT) perspective

Consider and discuss some group relationship that you have from an Actor-Network Theory (ANT) perspective.  In class we discussed how this perspective argues that in addition to humans, non-humans and objects also have agency (or in other words, make things happen).  It also argues that to understand a group (cultural or otherwise), one must recognize and take account of the significance of ALL of the following: the humans who are involved in the group, the objects that the group uses to define itself and recreate the bonds that hold it together and the involvement and influence of any non-humans (pets, animals in general, plants, trees – any living things).  Consider then, how the people, things that the people use and any non-humans help to define the group.

Submit:

1. Identify and describe the group (think about groups like your family, your friends, organizations, teams) that you will analyze from the ANT perspective.
2. Describe the people (humans) in the group. What characteristics/activities/situations/ideas/beliefs help to define them as members of this group?
3. Describe the objects that help to unify/define/distinguish the group. What things are important in understanding what the group believes/does/represents?
4. Describe the non-humans that unify/define/distinguish the group