Trading zone as a sensitizing concept in planning research

Abstract

This chapter charts the theoretical terrain between planning theory and social studies of science and technology. It reflects on the intellectual undertaking of ‘translating’, or adopting, into the planning field, the concept of trading zone developed by Peter Galison in the field of social studies of science and technology (STS). The chapter proposes to view the concept of trading zone as a sensitizing concept rather than a definitive concept, following the distinction by Herbert Blumer. Methodological development is needed in order for the concept of trading zone to become an analytical tool in the study of on-going planning practices. The chapter ends with still timely reminder by Blumer, of the need to develop a methodological stance, which respects research objects as ‘persons with a self’, that is to say, as persons who have their unique interpretive horizons, meaning making facilities and agency, all of which need to be incorporated into an analysis of joint action.