Actor Network Theory and Its Cultural Uses

This chapter traces the history of Actor Network Theory (ANT) from its early days as a branch of Science and Technology Studies (STS), through its increasing influence in sociology more generally, to the less orthodox and more flexible uses of ANT today. Crucial ontological foundations and related epistemological considerations are explored, and central terms and concepts discussed. Finally, specifically cultural sociological uses of ANT in studies of branding, and ANT-inspired ideas in the context of sociology of tasting practices, mediations and performances are discussed, and their significance to the 'new sociology of art' is considered.

Almila co-edited The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Sociology.

About this book:

Cultural sociology - or the sociology of culture - has grown from a minority interest in the 1970s to become one of the largest and most vibrant areas within sociology globally. In The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Sociology, a global range of experts explore the theory, methodology and innovations that make up this ever-expanding field.