Analysing the multiplicity of voices in the agora: using actor-network theory to unravel a complex issue

ABSTRACT

There is a need to develop an understanding of how science knowledge is interpreted and used when a Socially Acute Question (SAQ) is discussed on the ‘agora’ of the Internet.

A case is made for using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to unravel the diversity of participants taking part, their stance, source and expression of their justifications. This interaction can be visually expressed as a Cartography of Controversy. The SAQ of possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) control using aerial dispersal of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) was the context in which the participants (actants), their performative actions and affiliations (nodes) were mapped. Actants were identified via a Google search for groups’ websites with an opinion about 1080. Twenty-three groups were identified and their webpages analysed in terms how they perceived the issue. The construction of a cartography from these data showed the complexity of the group interactions. An analysis of justifications illustrated the range of stabilising mechanisms used. This research demonstrates the educational potential of ANT to develop a pedagogy that enables students to explore an SAQ and appreciate the multiplicity of perspectives.

KEYWORDS:

• Science communication
• socially acute questions
• actor-network theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme: [grant number CASSIS612227].