THE ACTOR-NETWORK THEORY AND THE QUESTION OF POWER: RETHINKING AGENCY AND STRUCTURE
THE ACTOR-NETWORK THEORY AND THE QUESTION OF POWER: RETHINKING AGENCY AND STRUCTURE

Summary/Abstract: The Actor-Network Theory (ANT) represents a significant shift in the social sciences, challenging the traditional divide between structure and agency. Developed by Bruno Latour, Michel Callon, and John Law, ANT posits that both human and non-human entities actively shape social reality through interconnected networks. The passing of Bruno Latour in 2022 invites a critical reassessment of ANT’s legacy and its applicability to present-day sociotechnical transformations. This paper traces the evolution of ANT, highlighting its theoretical foundations and methodological implications. Special focus is given to the ANT’s role within the contemporary study of science, technology, and society, placing it in the context of the debates against epistemological relativism and the limited understanding of power relations. At the same time, the paper will show the advantages of ANT in explaining the dynamic interactions of heterogeneous actors while highlighting the limitations of the approach in dealing with issues of inequality. It will be argued that a better understanding and application of ANT must be achieved in conjunction with the ideas of critical social theories.

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