传播研究的“物质性”取径:对若干核心议题的澄清

The Material Lens for Communication Studies: A Few Clarifications

作为人文研究中的一个关键认识论变革,"物质性转向"陆续出现在近几年传播学的讨论之中。在业已确立的研究中,"物质性的理论来源为何""物质性视角导向的传播研究自身的‘边界’是什么"以及"什么是物质性"等核心议题尚未得到有效澄清。物质性路向的传播研究大致有技术理论取向、政治经济学取向和社会理论取向三条不同的理论路径,物质性这一概念表达的是一种"影响-中心式"的分析模式,着重考察(媒介)物的限制和激发作用。关注"物质性"也并不意味着抛弃"话语性",社会行动者对于物的多元阐释仍然是不可或缺的一环。

Along with the "materiality turn"in humanity research,materiality looms as a key conception in communication studies. However,consensuses among the origin,the boundary and the basic definition of this term have not been achieved. This article argues there are three theoretical orientations of materiality studies. The basic conception of materiality puts forwards a "consequence-centric"analytical path which highlights the "constraint"and "affordance"of media technology. At last,the material turn of communication studies is not an abandon of all the discursive elements. Social actors’ interpretative principle should still be indispensable.