Assemblage Theory and Method: An Introduction and Guide

Description

What do we mean when we talk of an 'assemblage' in contemporary theory? It can feel like any and every thing, or more precisely, any and every kind of collection of things, could now be called an assemblage. This constant and seemingly limitless expansion of the terms range of applications begs the question, if any and every kind of collection of things is an assemblage, then what advantage is there is in using this term and not some other term, or indeed no term at all? What makes an assemblage an assemblage and not some other kind of collection of things? This book will advance beyond this impasse and offer a practical help in thinking about and using assemblage theory for contemporary cultural and social research. It will do three things: - Answer the question: what is assemblage theory? - Explain why assemblage theory is necessary - Provide clear instructions on how to use assemblage theory The first book of it's kind, Ian Buchanan's guide maps, with clarity, the beginnings of a brand new field within the humanities. Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: The Problem of Strata How Does Stratification Work? Why Did They Need the Concept of Stratification? Chapter 2: Desire and Machines The Masochist Assemblage Chapter 3: Territory Chapter 4: Expressive Materialism Chapter 5: Control Assemblage Notes Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Bibliography Index