Nicolini, Davide (2016) Is small the only beautiful? Making sense of 'large phenomena' from a practise-based perspective. In: Hui , A. and Schatzki, T. and Shove, E., (eds.) The Nexus of Practices Connections : constellations, practitioners. London ; New York: Routledge, pp. 98-113. ISBN 9781138675155 (In Press)

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Abstract

In this chapter I discuss how a practice-based sensitivity can be used to address big issues and ‘large scale’ (social) phenomena. This is of importance because practice-based sensitivities are often pigeonholed as part of micro-sociology and therefore deemed unsuitable to deal with some of the big issues of our time. The chapter starts by contrasting the position of practice-based approaches vis-à-vis the idea of macro phenomena, levels of reality and localism. I then examine three ways in which practice oriented scholars have addressed large phenomena namely studying connections in action, examining the global within the local and engaging with scalography, the practice of assembling large scale phenomena. For each approach I discuss the main affordances and limitations. I conclude that practice theory helps us to reconsider what counts as large scale phenomena and contributes to doing away with some traditional dichotomies in social science, for example the presumed difference between micro and macro, local and global and the misplaced idea that large scale phenomena are better understood from a distance.

Item Type:	Book Item
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Sociology -- Methodology
Publisher:	Routledge
Place of Publication:	London ; New York
ISBN:	9781138675155
Book Title:	The Nexus of Practices Connections : constellations, practitioners
Editor:	Hui , A. and Schatzki, T. and Shove, E.
Official Date:	16 December 2016
Dates:	Date Event 16 December 2016 Published
Number of Pages:	224
Page Range:	pp. 98-113
Status:	Not Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	In Press
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Date of first compliant deposit:	14 November 2016
Date of first compliant Open Access:	14 December 2017
Related URLs:	http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/961034970

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