[Air-L] CFP: EASA2014 (P027) Immateriality, mobility and the network (ANTHROMOB)

[John McManus]

*apologies for cross-posting*

The call for papers for the panel **Immateriality, mobility and the network
(EASA Mobilities Network)** in the upcoming EASA2014 conference (Tallinn,
31st July - 3rd August 2014) is now open, closing on 27th February.

To propose a paper and/or contact the convenors, follow the link:

http://www.nomadit.co.uk/easa/easa2014/panels.php5?PanelID=3037

Conveners

Jessika Nilsson (University of Leuven)
John McManus (University of Oxford)

This panel aims to problematize the static metaphors found within much of
network theory. The language of social network theory often casts projects
in terms of their connectivity, neglecting material and immaterial
mobilities. The increasing proliferation of technologies such as cellular
data systems or infrastructure projects which enable new forms of mobility,
are just some of the many recent developments that force us to question the
conceptual lens through which we view networks.

We welcome papers that study the (intimate) relationships and
collaborations enabled through technologies and the ways in which they
function as a major tool for the re-assembling of networks throughout the
world, both "traditional" and otherwise. Panelists are encouraged to
critically engage with concepts such as "actor-network theory", "social
network analysis" or "assemblages" and papers may expand the framework of
network theory or dismiss it altogether.

The (potential for) innovations stemming from re-defining, re-configuring
and re-purposing of mobile technologies are of particular interest. The
panel seeks to challenge notions of modern-day affiliation and association
by taking into account societies labelled both "developed" and "backward".
Panellists are encouraged to probe possibilities for bringing about new
orders of communication and collaboration, ones that break boundaries of
tradition, drive innovation, perhaps even spur "revolution" - be it through
social media, mobile phones, mobile banking or other technologies. The
panel has no geographic focus and papers can either be entirely conceptual,
or draw upon particular ethnographic case studies.

Deadline for submission: 27th February 2014

http://www.nomadit.co.uk/easa/easa2014/panels.php5?PanelID=3037