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Epistemological origins and affiliations of the Actor-Network Theory: implications for organizational analysis

Abstract

This article aims to introduce some epistemological origins and influences that shaped the Actor-Network Theory (ANT), in order to contribute to its informed insertion in the context of organizational analysis. After the initial presentation and a reflection on the origins of the ANT, the following themes are discussed: i) critique of the "social construction of reality;" ii) concept of "symmetry;" iii) concept of "translation;" and iv) expanded meaning of "actant." In the end, implications for organizational analysis are explored, which reinforce the importance of primary concepts for grasping the ANT, contributing to establish the use of its main categories in various scientific fields.

Keywords:
Knowledge sociology; Symmetry; Translation; Actant; Organizational analysis.

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