Some Elements of a Sociology of Translation: Domestication of the Scallops and the Fishermen of St Brieuc Bay
Dados Bibliográficos
AUTOR(ES) | |
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EDITOR(ES) | John Law |
ANO | 1984 |
TIPO | Book |
PERIÓDICO | The Sociological Review |
ISSN | 0038-0261 |
E-ISSN | 1467-954X |
EDITORA | Annual Reviews (United States) |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1467-954x.1984.tb00113.x |
ADICIONADO EM | 2025-08-29 |
MD5 |
26f0da2f50176c4215b810df7200e2df
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Resumo
This paper introduces the sociology of translation as a novel approach to studying power dynamics. Grounded in the principles of agnosticism (impartiality between actors), generalized symmetry (explaining conflicting viewpoints using the same terms), and free association (rejecting a priori distinctions between the natural and social), the study analyzes a scientific and economic controversy surrounding the declining scallop population in St. Brieuc Bay, France. It examines the efforts of three marine biologists to implement a conservation strategy, focusing on four ‘moments’ of translation: (a) problematisation, where researchers establish their indispensability by defining the problem and proposing their research as the solution; (b) interessement, the process of aligning other actors with the researchers' defined roles; (c) enrolment, the definition and interrelation of these roles; and (d) mobilisation, ensuring that designated spokespeople accurately represent their respective collectivities. The paper concludes by emphasizing that translation is an ongoing process, not a fixed outcome, and can ultimately fail, as illustrated in the case study.