Study Session Report: “Reassembling the Social – An Introduction to Actor-Network Theory”
On August 25th and September 15th, 2023, IDEAFUND Co., Ltd.(Founder & CEO: Naoko Okawachi, Tokyo) hosted a study session on “Reassembling the Social – An Introduction to Actor-Network Theory” by Bruno Latour (translated by Hirotaka Ito), focusing on the relationship between humans and non-human objects.
Book Summary
Actor-Network Theory, transcending traditional perceptions of subject/object or human/nature, portrays society as a decentralized network. This methodology, influential among sociologists like Aarli and Lash and impacting fields from technology sociology to art, is explained by Latour himself. It represents the essence of Latour’s sociology, updated with modern insights. (Series Universitas 1090) – translated by Mio Taguchi
Discussion
We explored how non-human elements can be integrated as “actors” in network reassembly and the practical implications of such an approach. Additionally, some questioned the clarity of outcomes in describing human-object relationships and their interconnections was also discussed.
A Word from the Presenter
“We chose this book for its potential relevance to an ongoing project. While the need to progress methodically, akin to ANT (Actor-Network Theory), without jumping to deductive reasoning was learned, there are still aspects of the book that have not been fully shared with the team or applied in practice. We plan to continue studying Actor-Network Theory and delve deeper into its applications in future study sessions.” – Mio Taguchi
About IDEAFUND
IDEAFUND is a professional research company located in Tokyo. With the corporate mission of “Accelerate Innovation with an Idea,” IDEAFUND Co., Ltd. brings together professionals in fields such as cultural anthropology. We are committed to deriving insights and creating new business needs through behavioral observation research. Since its foundation in 2018, its founder, Naoko, and her colleagues have applied the methodology of cultural anthropology to market/consumer research. Through this approach, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of consumers and users, thereby identifying opportunities for innovation.
- IDEAFUND CO., Ltd.
- https://ideafund.co.jp/en/
- ESOMAR Corporate Member
Contact info:
info@ideafund.co.jp