This is a call for papers on use of actor-network theory in  
international development, with an initial deadline for abstracts of  
10 January 2011.

Actor-network theory has emerged over the past twenty years as a major  
conceptual force in social science.  To date, though, it has hardly  
been applied within development studies.  Yet the potential for ANT in  
the study of development has never appeared greater.  The growing  
recognition of agency, process and relations among all development  
actors.  The greater use of networks of individuals and organisations  
to deliver development.  The increasing role played by technology in  
development processes.  All these point to a prospective value of  
actor-network theory in helping us understand development today.

We are therefore organising a workshop and journal special issue to  
bring together new work applying actor-network theory in international  
development research.  Our aim is to explore the extent to which ANT  
can improve our understanding of development.

At this initial stage, we wish to retain as broad a scope as possible  
for papers; from the more conceptual to the more practical; from those  
engaging with the overall ANT project to those which apply particular  
tools and sub-concepts; and from those which value ANT to those which  
critique its application in development.  In all cases, we will be  
looking for some reflection on the contribution that ANT can make.

The following timeline will be observed:

- 10 January 2011 - prospective authors to submit an abstract of  
200-400 words outlining their proposed paper to: ant4dev@gmail.com

- 1 February 2011 - authors to be notified of response to abstract

- 31 May 2011 - draft papers due (7,000-9,000 words), and workshop  
rapporteurs appointed

- 30 June 2011 - workshop in London for presentation and discussion of papers

- 30 Sept 2011 - finalised papers due

Some travel funding will be made available for attendance at the  
London workshop.  Papers will still be considered from those who are  
unable to attend the workshop.

We will collate a selection of submitted papers for publication as a  
special issue in one of the leading development studies journals.   
Selected papers will be subject to further review in line with journal  
submission procedures.

If you have any queries prior to abstract submission, do please ask.

Richard Heeks (Centre for Development Informatics, University of  
Manchester, UK) & Shirin Madon (Information Systems and Innovation  
Group, LSE, UK); Email: ant4dev@gmail.com

Call URL: http://bit.ly/ANT4DCall



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