Living in a Material World

Abstract

This article explores the nuances of applying Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to autoethnography. The authors argue that ANT-informed autoethnography may broaden the understanding of how social and material networks are interrelated and can influence research. Two divergent autoethnographic vignettes are analyzed to illustrate how ANT-informed autoethnography may differ from other forms of autoethnography. ANT-informed autoethnography may be helpful when researchers wish to understand better the diverse political, social, and economic interactions and knowledge among actors and then offer insight into how these engagements affect our lifeworlds. The paper concludes with implications and recommendations for autoethnographers who utilize ANT in their research.