Normalizing Transantiago

On the challenges (and limits) of repairing infrastructures

Datos Bibliográficos

ID11925035
AutoresSebastián Ureta (0000-0003-3169-4992, Alberto Hurtado University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2014
Volumen44
Número3
Páginas368-392
Fecha de publicación2014-03-24
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSocial Studies of Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0306-3127 • E-ISSN: 1460-3659
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0306312714523855
PMID25051587
OpenAlexW2127817412
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas46
Referencias citadas47

This article looks to propose a new way to understand the repair of failing large sociotechnical systems. Leaving aside romantic valuations, repair always involves a certain degree of normalization. Derived from conceptualizations by Foucault, repair as normalization is understood as a particular form of power that, first, recognizes a certain normal state to which the failing system should evolve and, second, develops different strategies to reach it, usually involving the deployment of particular disciplinary devices. The ultimate aim of such practices is usually not only the improvement of the system but centrally the maintenance of a certain kind of power. In order to show the empirical usability of such conceptualization, the article analyzes the case of Transantiago, a thoroughgoing reform of the public transport system of Santiago, Chile. The start of Transantiago in February 2007 was marred by multiple failures, becoming one of the biggest public controversies in the country in recent decades. Given this, several different strategies were developed to repair such failures, understanding them explicitly as normalization. The article analyzes two particular strategies: attempts to change the negative 'public perception' about Transantiago through the use of quantitative indicators and the introduction of an unexpected type of infrastructure to increase the overall speed of the system. Finally, the conclusion analyzes how the conception of repair as normalization can help us better understand the complexities involved in dealing with failing large sociotechnical systems such as Transantiago, pointing to the need to sometimes move beyond repair

Aside · Business · Conceptualization · Electrocution · Epistemology · Knowledge management · Normalization (sociology · Risk analysis (engineering · Social science · Sociology · Sociotechnical system · Software deployment · Usability · Computer Science · Water Governance and Infrastructure · Artificial Intelligence