Digital Research Methods and the Diaspora: Assembling Transnational Networks with and Beyond Digital Data

The computational turn in the social sciences and humanities has led to the study of techno-social assemblages and networks of more-than-human actors. This book introduces digital methods as research strategies for dealing with the ephemeral and unstable nature of tracing the diaspora with digital data and reconceptualizing digital diasporas as contingent and processual hybrid collectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The computational turn in the social sciences and humanities has sparked immense enthusiasm about the potential to revitalize our approaches to studying the techno-social realm. Researchers engaged in the study of digital diasporas are increasingly dealing with a diverse array of disparate digital objects, ranging from hyperlinks to timestamps, platform behavioral metrics such as react, share, or retweet, to various media formats such as text, images, pre-recorded or live-streamed videos. Recognizing the significance of these diverse objects, this book aims to introduce digital methods as research strategies for navigating the ephemeral and unstable nature of tracing diasporas through digital data. Moreover, it seeks to reconceptualize digital diasporas as assemblages and networks of more-than-human actors, challenging traditional notions of diaspora as solely human phenomena.

To accomplish this, the book offers a comprehensive range of theoretical perspectives and methodological techniques for studying digital diasporas as contingent and processual hybrid collectives of heterogeneous material, cultural, and practice-based assemblages. By delving into these diverse aspects, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics and interconnectedness of digital spaces, transnational communities, and the broader socio-technical landscape.

This book is particularly relevant for students and scholars interested in the digital space, transnational communities, and the interdisciplinary study of technology, society, and culture. It offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field, equipping readers with the tools and frameworks necessary to understand and analyze the evolving nature of diasporas in the digital age.

In conclusion, the computational turn in the social sciences and humanities has opened up new avenues for exploring the techno-social realm. This book, by introducing digital methods and theoretical perspectives, contributes to our understanding of digital diasporas as contingent and processual hybrid collectives of heterogeneous material, cultural, and practice-based assemblages. It serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of the digital age and engage with the diverse communities and networks that thrive in this interconnected world.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032373485