Human Service Technology and the Theory of the Actor Network

Abstract

This article presents an argument that the body of work known as actor-network theory (ANT) has considerable potential as an analytical framework for the conduct of research inquiries into human service technology applications. Especially so when these inquiries focus on tracing the human and technical factors associated with the adoption of a technological innovation. It introduces and explains some of the key philosophical assumptions of ANT before discussing its methodological implications. The article also offers some practical illustrations of an ANT orientation by applying ANT-related concepts to three articles published in this special issue.

KEYWORDS:

• actor-network theory
• methodology
• research
• theory