Studying Mobilities

Abstract

This entry critically examines the study of mobilities in social science research. Mobilities encompasses the interdependencies and meanings arising from and attached to the movement of people, objects, images, ideas, and information. Contemporary societies—or at least some elements of them—are increasingly on the move and mobile methods are being used in a range of interdisciplinary studies to explore macro- and microentities of mobility and immobility. In this context, the study of mobilities has expanded to include mobilities as both subject and method. This entry discusses a range of leading concepts, practices, and projects in the social sciences. It highlights the potential of mobilising methods to make present different aspects of the world through an attentiveness to sensory, material, sociocultural, historic, and textual forms. Mobilising methods encourages researchers to reveal methodological journeys rather than just the results of those journeys. Overall, this entry examines the idea that mobile and immobile entities and methods are not just neutral connectors but live, dynamic actors in making and communicating knowledge.

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles