New materialism

Definition

New materialism is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of materiality and the interconnectedness of matter and meaning in understanding social and cultural phenomena. It challenges traditional dualisms, such as mind/body and human/non-human, advocating for a more integrated approach that recognizes the agency of both human and non-human entities in shaping experiences and realities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New materialism emerged in response to post-structuralist theories, highlighting the significance of physicality in the construction of knowledge and experience.
2. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches by drawing from fields like philosophy, science studies, feminism, and environmental studies to examine the role of matter.
3. The framework promotes an understanding of agency as distributed among various actors, including humans, animals, objects, and the environment.
4. New materialism is particularly relevant in discussions around climate change and sustainability, as it emphasizes interconnectedness and the impact of material practices.
5. Key thinkers associated with new materialism include Karen Barad, Rosi Braidotti, and Jane Bennett, who have contributed to its development through their work on ontology and ethics.

Review Questions

• How does new materialism challenge traditional binaries in social theory?
  • New materialism challenges traditional binaries by arguing that distinctions like mind/body or human/non-human are overly simplistic. It suggests that these categories do not fully capture the complexity of interactions between different entities. Instead, it posits that both human and non-human actors possess agency and are integral to shaping our understanding of reality. This approach fosters a more holistic perspective on social phenomena.
• Discuss how new materialism intersects with environmental studies and its implications for sustainability practices.
  • New materialism intersects with environmental studies by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all entities involved in ecological systems. It highlights how material practices contribute to environmental issues like climate change. By recognizing the agency of non-human elements—such as plants, animals, and technologies—new materialism advocates for sustainability practices that consider these relationships. This perspective encourages collective responsibility for ecological health by acknowledging how actions affect the broader network.
• Evaluate the significance of new materialism in contemporary social theory and its potential for transforming research methodologies.
  • The significance of new materialism in contemporary social theory lies in its ability to reshape how researchers engage with subjects. By promoting an understanding of agency as distributed among various actors, it encourages methodologies that are more inclusive of non-human elements. This transformation can lead to richer insights into social dynamics, as researchers consider the roles materials play in shaping experiences. Ultimately, new materialism invites a rethinking of how knowledge is produced, moving towards a more integrative framework that acknowledges complexity.

Related terms

Actor-Network Theory: A framework that explores the relationships and networks between human and non-human actors, emphasizing that both have agency in shaping social realities.

Posthumanism: An intellectual stance that critiques the traditional boundaries of humanism, focusing on the roles and influences of non-human entities in contemporary society.

Materiality: The physical aspects of existence, including objects and substances, and how they interact with social practices and meanings.