-------- Original-Nachricht -------- Betreff: [AISWorld] Call for Papers: Using Actor-Network Theory to Understand Development Datum: Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:27:50 +0000 Von: Richard Heeks Course.Idpm-3@manchester.ac.uk An: aisworld@lists.aisnet.org

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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