Agential realism

Definition

Agential realism is a theoretical framework that suggests reality is not a fixed entity but is co-constructed through the interactions between human and non-human actors. It emphasizes the idea that agency is distributed across various entities and that materiality plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and understandings. This perspective challenges traditional notions of subjectivity and objectivity by highlighting the interconnectedness of all things in the formation of reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agential realism posits that reality is formed through the ongoing interactions between various entities, challenging the idea of a static or pre-existing reality.
2. The framework draws from the work of feminist theorists who emphasize the significance of embodiment and materiality in shaping our understanding of agency.
3. Agential realism encourages a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics by considering how both human and non-human actors contribute to social realities.
4. This perspective aligns with feminist new materialisms, which focus on how material conditions and bodily experiences influence social relations and knowledge production.
5. By recognizing the agency of non-human entities, agential realism opens up new possibilities for understanding environmental issues and ethical considerations related to technology and materiality.

Review Questions

• How does agential realism challenge traditional views of subjectivity and objectivity in relation to embodiment?
  • Agential realism challenges traditional views by suggesting that subjectivity is not solely rooted in human experience but is co-constructed through interactions with both human and non-human actors. This perspective emphasizes the role of embodiment and materiality in shaping our understandings, indicating that our perceptions are influenced by the physical world around us. By recognizing that reality is fluid and constructed through these interactions, agential realism reframes how we think about knowledge and experience.
• In what ways does agential realism contribute to discussions about power dynamics within feminist new materialisms?
  • Agential realism contributes to discussions about power dynamics by highlighting that agency is not limited to human actors but is distributed among various entities, including objects and environments. This reframing allows for a deeper exploration of how power operates within social systems, as it recognizes that non-human actors also play significant roles in shaping experiences and outcomes. By incorporating a more holistic understanding of agency, agential realism enriches feminist new materialisms' analysis of how power relations are constructed and maintained in society.
• Critically analyze the implications of adopting an agential realist perspective for understanding contemporary environmental issues.
  • Adopting an agential realist perspective has profound implications for understanding contemporary environmental issues as it emphasizes the interconnectedness between human actions and non-human entities within ecosystems. By recognizing the agency of non-human actors, such as plants, animals, and even materials, we can better appreciate how these elements influence environmental change and sustainability efforts. This perspective encourages a more collaborative approach to addressing ecological challenges, fostering a sense of responsibility towards both human and non-human communities. It prompts us to reconsider our relationships with nature, advocating for practices that honor this intricate web of connections.

Related terms

new materialism: A theoretical approach that seeks to understand the material aspects of existence and their impact on social and cultural phenomena, emphasizing the agency of materials.

interconnectedness:

The concept that all entities, human or non-human, are linked and influence one another, affecting how we perceive and interact with the world.

agency: The capacity of individuals or entities to act and make choices, which in agential realism, is seen as distributed across a range of actors rather than confined to humans alone.