Translation (sociology)

In actor-network theory (ANT), translation is the process that allows a network to be represented by a single entity, which can in itself be an individual or another network.

In 1986, Michel Callon published the seminal article "Some elements of a sociology of translation", in which he summarized the process of translation as four 'moments' or phases:

1. Problematization - the definition of the nature of the problem in a specific situation by an actor (a group or an individual) and the consequential establishment of dependency
2. Interessement - "locking" other actors into the roles that were proposed for them in the actor's programme for resolving that problem
3. Enrolment - the definition and interrelation of the roles that were allocated to other actors in the previous step
4. Mobilization - ensuring that supposed spokespersons for relevant collective entities are properly representative of those