Methodological Reflections on Practice Oriented Theories (eBook)

Michael Jonas is a senior researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna¸ Division Socio-Ecological Transformation. Following a praxeological perspective, he is currently researching social inequality, injustice and unsustainability at a global level. He teaches at several universities. Beate Littig is a sociologist and Head of the Division Socio-Ecological Transformation Research (SET) at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna. In addition she is a permanent lecturer at the University of Vienna and teaches at international summer schools and workshops. Her research interests are the future of work, social sustainability, practices of change, gender studies and qualitative research methods. Angela Wroblewski is senior researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, Division Socio-Ecological Transformation. Her current research focuses on the analysis of equality policies in academia and employment as well as the development of gender indicators.

Contents 5
Editors and Contributors 7
List of Figures 11
List of Table 12
Introduction 13
Methodologies and Methodological Aspects of Practice Theories 20
1 Sociology of Social Practices: Theory or Modus Operandi of Empirical Research? 21
Abstract 21
Introduction: Procedure of Praxeologising 21
Practices and Theoretical Models of Practices 24
Praxeologising and Heuristics of Playing Games 27
Conclusion: Praxeologising by Way of Praxeography 31
Acknowledgements 34
References 34
2 Practice Theory as a Package of Theory, Method and Vocabulary: Affordances and Limitations 36
Abstract 36
What Is Practice Theory? 36
What Are Practices? 38
From Local Practices to the World 39
What Kind of Theory ‘Practice Theory’ Is (or Should Be)? 41
Four Ways to Use the Practice Theory–Method Package (and the Risks They Pose) 43
Situational Orientation 44
Genealogic Orientation 45
Configurational Orientation 46
Conflict- Sensitive Orientation 47
Summary and Concluding Remarks 48
Acknowledgements 50
References 50
3 Relationality and Heterogeneity: Transitive Methodology in Practice Theory and Actor-Network Theory 52
Abstract 52
Introduction 52
Practice Theory 53
Actor-Network Theory 55
Critique and Differences 56
Conclusion: Transitive Methodology 59
References 62
4 Conducting Ethnography with a Sensibility for Practice 64
Abstract 64
Introduction 64
Social Practice as a Theoretical Starting Point 65
Conducting Ethnography of Practice: Some Methodological Considerations 68
Outline of a Sensibility for Practice 71
Conclusion 73
Acknowledgements 74
References 74
Conceptualisation of the Individual and of the Body in Practice Oriented Empirical Research 78
5 Embodying Practices: The Human Body as Matter (of Concern) in Social Thought 79
Abstract 79
Introduction 79
Praxeological Perspectives in Anthropology 80
Hinterlands of Practices 82
Practices Beyond the Actual 84
Extended/Embodied Minds in Practices 86
Methodological Consequences 88
Conclusion 90
References 91
6 (Re)Configuring Actors in Practice 94
Abstract 94
Introduction 94
Actors in Social Theories 95
Different Understandings of Actors in Practice Theories 96
Practicing Theory—Enacting Actors 98
Moving from Actors in Social Theory to Empirically Researching Actors 99
Investigating Negotiations of Actorship 100
Praxiographic Research Strategies 101
To Be Affected: Enacting Actors in Practice 101
Negotiating Affection 103
To Affect: Acting on, Changing and Involving Actors 104
Conclusion 105
References 106
7 White-Collar Bodywork: Practice Centrism and the Materiality of Knowledge Work 108
Abstract 108
Introduction 108
What Is Knowledge Work? 110
From Actor Centrism to Practice Centrism 111
Trading Derivatives as White-Collar Bodywork 114
Clothes 114
Trading Desks 115
Illumination and Acoustic Design 116
Reflecting on Methods of Practice-Centric Research 117
Acknowledgements 119
References 119
8 Personal Metrics: Methodological Considerations of a Praxiographical Approach 121
Abstract 121
Introduction: Quantifying the Self 121
The Calorie: One or Many? 123
The Calorie 123
Calorie Multiple 125
Efficiencies: Thermodynamics of the Body 126
Situating Praxiography 127
Calorie at Work 130
Food as Fuel: Calories in, Calories Out 130
Multiplicity Matters 131
Singularity 133
Tracking Selves: Towards a New Self 134
References 136
Empirical Practice Theory Oriented Case Studies and Methodological Reflections 138
9 Beyond the Body’s Skin. Describing the Embodiment of Practices 139
Abstract 139
Introduction 139
Practices Under the Sociological Microscope 140
The Case of Ballet Class 142
Practicing Battement Tendus 143
Describing ‘What Happens’ in a Tendu Exercise 145
Ways of Writing 149
Conclusion 151
References 153
10 Making Sense of Noise: Practice Oriented Approach to Sound 156
Abstract 156
Introduction 156
Noise: Borderline Case 157
‘Multivocality’ as Part of Ethnographic Practice 158
Diverging Perceptions 161
Absorbing Ways of Listening 162
Constructive Ways of Listening 163
Apparent ‘Failure’ of Making Sense 164
Joint Conflict 166
Conclusion 167
References 169
11 Combining Methods in Practice Oriented Research 171
Abstract 171
Introduction: Practice Oriented Research on Sustainable Consumption 171
Practicing Sustainability: A Comparative Multi-method Case Study in a Viennese Cohousing Project 174
The ‘Wohnprojekt Wien’—A Vienna Cohousing Project 174
Case Study: ‘Sustainable Living and Working in a Cohousing Project’ 176
Comparing Practices Over Time: A Multi-method Approach 178
Discussion: Combining Methods in Light of Triangulation and Mixed Methods 180
Concluding Remarks 183
References 184
12 Understanding Everyday Kitchen Life: Looking at Performance, into Performances and for Practices 186
Abstract 186
Introduction 186
Videoing Everyday Life 187
Looking at Performance 190
Looking into Performance 192
Looking for Practices 195
Conclusion 196
References 198
13 Questioning the ‘Gold Standard’ Thinking in Qualitative Methods from a Practice Theoretical Perspective: Towards Methodological Multiplicity 201
Abstract 201
Introduction 201
Research Context: Cultural Contestation of Food 202
Practice Theoretical Approach to Study Contested Food 203
Potential Methodological Implications 205
Examples of Operative Methodological Procedures 207
Conclusion 210
References 210
14 Creativity at Work: Methodological Challenges for a Praxeological Research Program 213
Abstract 213
Introduction 213
Economy of Creativity: How to Capture Economic Innovation in Practice? 215
Creative Mind: How to Analyse Creative Imagination Praxeologically? 218
Interviewing Versus Observing: How to Analyse Social Practices of Creativity? 221
Conclusion 224
References 225
15 How Biologists ‘Meet’ 228
Abstract 228
Introduction 228
Practices of a Particular ‘Lebenswelt’ 229
Materials and Methods 230
Meeting Practices 231
Practicing Observation and Observing Practices 231
Why, When and How to Meet 233
Work-in-Progress Talks 234
Housekeeping 236
Practicing Meetings, Observing Practices 237
Conclusion: How to Observe What? 238
References 240
16 ‘Mobile Practices’, ‘Mobile Methods’ and Beyond: Studying Railway Mobility Using Lefebvre’s Theory of Space 242
Abstract 242
Introduction 243
Praxeological Studies of (Railway) Mobility and ‘Mobile Methods’ Research 244
Viewing Rail Mobility Through Lefebvre’s Theory of Space 248
Mobile Methods, Spatial Practices and Conceived Space 252
Conclusion 253
References 255
17 Object, Perspectives and Methodology of Praxeological Research 258
Abstract 258
Introduction 258
Homogeneity and Heterogeneity in Practice Theory Perspectives 259
Methodological Aspects of Praxeological Research 261
Remarks on the Object of Research—‘Social Practices’ 264
Connections, Commonalities, Overlaps 266
References 267