Acronym: ANT

Alternate name(s): N/A

Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s): N/A

Main independent construct(s)/factor(s):

Key terms: actor, network, translation, problemization, OPP, interessement, enrollment, inscription, irreversibility

Concise description of theory

Actor-network theory, sometimes abbreviated to ANT, is a sociological theory developed by Bruno Latour, Michel Callon and John Law. It is distinguished from other network theories in that an actor-network contains not merely people, but objects and organizations. These are collectively referred to as actors, or sometimes actants.

1. sociological theory
2. Bruno Latour, Michel Callon and John Law
3. not merely people, but objects and organizations
4. actants/actors

The primary tenet of actor-network theory is the concept of the heterogenous network. That is, a network containing many dissimilar elements. These coextensive networks comprise of both social and technical parts. Moreover, the social and technical are treated as inseparable by ANT. When buying produce from a supermarket, for example, the actor-network involved would include the purchaser and the cashier, as well as the cash register, the money and the produce involved. It also includes other, less obvious objects, such as the clothes the purchaser wears, without which they would most likely not be served. The task of trying to identify all of the heterogeneous elements in an actor-network like this can be difficult and is ultimately up to the discretion of the researcher. This is known as the problem of selection.

1. heterogenous network (dissibilar elements)
2. the social and technical are treated as inseperable
3. identify all of the heterogeneous elements in an actor-network like this can be difficult

Actor-network theory claims that any actor, whether person, object (including computer software, hardware, and technical standards), or organization, is equally important to a social network. As such, societal order is an effect caused by an actor network running smoothly. This order begins to break down when certain actors are removed. For example, the removal of telephones, banks or the president may all result in significant break-downs in social order.

any actor, whether person, object (including computer software, hardware, and technical standards), or organization, is equally important to a social network

Source: Wikipedia ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actor_network_theory])

my notes: Actor-network Theory (ANT)讲的是网络中包含的所有元素都同等重要，任何元素的变化会导致系统巨大的破坏。