Towards Considerations beyond Dichotomies: The Study of Material Culture faces challenges in Online Playgrounds

Authors

  • Michaela Rizzolli PhD student in Educational Science Institute for History and European Ethnology University of Innsbruck

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/seminar.2386

Keywords:

ECER, Material Culture, Digital Material, MMORPGs, Dichotomies

Abstract

This paper problematizes dichotomous thinking in academia, exemplified by the study of material culture in online playgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to deepen our understanding of how dichotomies can lead to misconceptions and misrepresentations of phenomena. This paper argues that there are three dichotomies which account for a number of difficulties in dealing with material culture in online playgrounds: First, the critical division between the material and non-material dimensions of material culture. Second, the distinction between immaterial and material space. Third, the dichotomy between real and virtual. Instead of using a “dichotomous” way of thinking, the article advocates an “interdependent” way of thinking.

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Published

2013-11-14

How to Cite

Rizzolli, M. (2013). Towards Considerations beyond Dichotomies: The Study of Material Culture faces challenges in Online Playgrounds. Seminar.net, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.7577/seminar.2386

Issue

Section

Articles