Mobility Humanities Colloquium #17
2020/09/15 – From Relational Theories to Actor-Network Theory: An Alternative Methodology for Analysis of Transnational Migration
Byung-Doo Choi (Daegu University)
Date: 2020/09/15 (Tuesday) 15:00
Place: Konkuk University New Millennium Hall #1106
In this colloquium, Professor Byung-Doo Choi stated that the “Actor-Network Theory (ANT) provides an innovative perspective to analyze various phenomena or processes including transnational migration.” Furthermore, Professor Choi explained that the “ANT will leads us to be able to overcome dichotomies between action and structure, and micro and macro level analysis; and it enables us to explore socio-spatial associations and networks formed between humans and non-human actors.” He proposed the need to reconsider the significance and limitations of traditional relational theories in the analysis of transnational migration; and examined the applicability of the ANT to transnational migration studies. This colloquium lecture was a great opportunity to explore commonalities between mobility humanities and migration research.
Dr. Byung-Doo Choi received his Bachelor’s degree in Geography at Seoul National University, Korea and his doctoral degree at University of Leeds, U.K. He is Professor Emeritus of Geography Education at Daegu University. His main research interests include issues related to capitalist cities and spatial environment, and the transformation of social space impacted by transnational migration. Professor Choi served as President of the Korean Association of Space and Environment Research and is currently Chairman of the Korean Center for City and Environment Research. His books include 《New Horizons in Human Geography》, 《The Geography of Transnational Migration and Hospitality》 and 《Translation and Alliance》. In addition, he translated 《(The) Ways of the World》 and 《Thinking Space》 into Korean and published journal articles titled “Spatial Justice and the De-Alienated City” and “Actor-Networks and Assemblages in Transnational Labor Migration.”