Development of infrastructure studies (S.L. Star, G. Bowker, B. Larkin)

Abstract: 
The article provides an overview of the ideas of leading authors, whose works develop one of the directions in modern technology research. The readers see the range of concepts through which it is possible to theorize technical infrastructures sociologically, for example, electrical networks, transport communications, information databases and Internet platforms. The interactionist approach of S. L. Star explains the relational nature of infrastructures. G. Bowker calls to think about the hyper-functionality of infrastructures, that is, the property that supports the human self and even egocentrism. Starting from the concept of techno-policy, B. Larkin focuses on the poetic function of infrastructures as a component of the political regime. As an emerging area, acquaintance with social research of infrastructures is interesting for everyone who studies digitalization trends.

Keywords:

doi: 

10.25990/socinstras.pss-15.zmej-c395

For citation: Sergeyeva O.V. Development of infrastructure studies (S.L. Star, G. Bowker, B. Larkin). St. Petersburg Sociology Today. 2021. N. 15. P. 54-70. DOI:10.25990/socinstras.pss-15.zmej-c395

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