Adopting a Sociomaterial Perspective for the Analysis of Digital Public Spheres

Grace, William R.; Fonseca, Frederico

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/47284 Copy

Description

Title

Adopting a Sociomaterial Perspective for the Analysis of Digital Public Spheres

Author(s)

• Grace, William R.
• Fonseca, Frederico

Issue Date

2014-03-01

Keyword(s)

sociomaterial theory; sociotechnical systems; computer-mediated communication; public sphere

Abstract

This paper argues that theorizing computer-mediated communications as political engagement within a sociomaterial perspective, an understanding attentive to the mutual constitution of the social and material, allows researchers to conceptually analyze the unique political practices afforded by information and communication technologies and their function within a public sphere. This approach foregrounds the mutual constitution of sociomaterial practices, and recognizes the centrality of performativity and contextual multidimensionality in their constitution and analysis. In addition, articulating patterns of these practices as sociotechnical systems presents a framework for scaling local analyses toward increasing levels of analysis commensurate with public sphere theory.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2014 Proceedings

Type of Resource

text

Language

english

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/47284

DOI

https://doi.org/10.9776/14380

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2014 is held by the authors of individual items in the proceedings. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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