Categorization by association: Nuclear technology and emission-free electricity

Welcome:
Guest

Research in the Sociology of Work

ISSN: 0277-2833
Series editor(s): Lisa A. Keister

Subject Area: Sociology and Public Policy

Content: Series Volumes | Current Volume RSS

Options: To add Favourites and Table of Contents Alerts please take a Emerald profile

Document Information:
Title:	Categorization by association: Nuclear technology and emission-free electricity
Author(s):	Raghu Garud, Joel Gehman, Peter Karnøe
Volume:	21 Editor(s): Wesley D. Sine, Robert J. David ISBN: 978-0-85724-239-6 eISBN: 978-0-85724-240-2
Citation:	Raghu Garud, Joel Gehman, Peter Karnøe (2010), Categorization by association: Nuclear technology and emission-free electricity, in Wesley D. Sine, Robert J. David (ed.) Institutions and Entrepreneurship (Research in the Sociology of Work, Volume 21), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.51-93
DOI:	10.1108/S0277-2833(2010)0000021007 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Chapter Item
Abstract:	At different points in time, energy harnessed from nuclear technology for commercial purposes has been qualified as atoms for peace, too cheap to meter, unsafe, sustainable, and emission free. We explore how these associations – between nuclear technology (a category used in a descriptive way) and qualities such as emission free (a category used in an evaluative way) – are materially anchored, institutionally performed, socially relevant, and entrepreneurially negotiated. By considering all these factors, our analysis shows that it is possible to understand how and why categories and their meanings continue to change over time. We flesh out the implications of these observations and suggest avenues for future research.