Translation (sociology)


In actor-network theory, translation is the process that allows a network to be represented by a single entity, which can in itself be an individual or another network.
In 1986, Michel Callon published the seminal article , in which he summarized the process of translation as four 'moments' or phases:
  1. Problematization - the definition of the nature of the problem in a specific situation by an actor and the consequential establishment of dependency
  2. Interessement - "locking" other actors into the roles that were proposed for them in the actor's programme for resolving that problem
  3. Enrolment - the definition and interrelation of the roles that were allocated to other actors in the previous step
  4. Mobilization - ensuring that supposed spokespersons for relevant collective entities are properly representative of all members of the network that are acting as a single agent.