Non-Representational Theory: Space/Politics/Affect

by Nigel Thrift

This astonishing book presents a distinctive approach to the politics of everyday life. Ranging across a variety of spaces in which politics and the political unfold, it questions what is meant by perception, representation and practice, with the aim of valuing the fugitive practices that exist on the margins of the known. It revolves around three key functions. It:
introduces the rather dispersed discussion of non-representational theory to a wider audience
provides the basis for an experimental rather than a representational approach to the social sciences and humanities
begins the task of constructing a different kind of political genre.
A groundbreaking and comprehensive introduction to this key topic, Thrift's outstanding work brings together further writings from a body of work that has come to be known as non-representational theory. This noteworthy book makes a significant contribution to the literature in this area and is essential reading for researchers and postgraduates in the fields of social theory, sociology, geography, anthropology and cultural studies.

Genres: Philosophy, Geography, Nonfiction, Theory, Politics, Sociology

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ben O'loughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A manifesto for changing the direction and methods of social science, as well as a decent primer on non-representational theory, given that the book brings together 20 years of his thinking on this approach. His analysis of the manner in which technology can change the backgrounds of social life in ways that alter our susceptibility to political and business marketing is intriguing and resonates with much contemporary experience. Yet another writer, however, who cloaks his analysis in claims of 'modesty' and 'this is just a supplement' when the underlying motive is nothing of the sort! See my longer review in the journal Social Semiotics (forthcoming).