representation takes the form of a set of knowledge, beliefs, patterns of understanding and action about a socially-relevant subject. It is a particular form of
common-sense knowledge that defines reality for the society that developed it with
the aim of action and communication” [7]. It manifests both as the sum of content
and as a process that can modify thoughts and actions.
Moscovici, the pioneer of the theory of social representations, identifies two
major processes in their development: objectification and anchoring [8]. The first
designates the origin of the formalization of knowledge about an object. It
embodies the meaning of things and facilitates discussion [9]. Objectification is
divided into three phases: selection (sorting and taking ownership of information
depending on the cultural context), schematizing the selected elements (construction of a coherent picture leading to the simplification of the represented object),
and naturalization (the constructed image becomes, for the actor, an autonomous
and objective entity). Anchoring extends objectification with the ultimate aim of
integrating the novelty into the social space [10]. This process corresponds to the
instrumentalization of the object, so that actors can actually use it. Anchoring the
novelty can then lead to a change in thinking. Objectification and anchoring
therefore show how society transforms knowledge into representations, and how
this in turn transforms society [9].
Various analytical models subsequently appeared, such as genetics, dynamic or
structural perspectives [11]. The latter sees social representation as a
socio-cognitive system consisting of a central core and a peripheral system that
complement each other [12]. The central core is the fundamental and
non-negotiable element of the representation. It functions as both a generator and
organizer. The first determines the meaning of the components of the representation; the second defines the nature of the links that connect these elements. The core
is characterized by its stability and its ability to resist contextual developments or
the introduction of new practices. The peripheral system is more permeable to
change. It is subordinate to the core and provides the connection between the
central elements and the social reality of the object. The representation of the
peripheral system can be adapted to the context; this ensures the integrity of the
central core, which remains protected. Although the structural approach has evolved
since its initial definition [13], it remains relevant for understanding social
representations.
Their study is based on several types of data. Research has focused on various
discursive elements, in the form of (undirected or semi-directed) interviews or
questionnaires. A second source is conversations and other forms of verbal interaction in a group or public place. The third is a textual and iconic corpus (archives,
novels, newspaper articles, cartoons, paintings, comic books, photographs, and
films), while word association tests form a fourth set [10]. All of these content types
highlight statements, analogies, and meaning from which social representations can
be developed. They can also prove to be a major societal issue, as the controversy
over nuclear technology demonstrates.
What Cultural Objects Say About Nuclear Accidents …
139
common-sense knowledge that defines reality for the society that developed it with
the aim of action and communication” [7]. It manifests both as the sum of content
and as a process that can modify thoughts and actions.
Moscovici, the pioneer of the theory of social representations, identifies two
major processes in their development: objectification and anchoring [8]. The first
designates the origin of the formalization of knowledge about an object. It
embodies the meaning of things and facilitates discussion [9]. Objectification is
divided into three phases: selection (sorting and taking ownership of information
depending on the cultural context), schematizing the selected elements (construction of a coherent picture leading to the simplification of the represented object),
and naturalization (the constructed image becomes, for the actor, an autonomous
and objective entity). Anchoring extends objectification with the ultimate aim of
integrating the novelty into the social space [10]. This process corresponds to the
instrumentalization of the object, so that actors can actually use it. Anchoring the
novelty can then lead to a change in thinking. Objectification and anchoring
therefore show how society transforms knowledge into representations, and how
this in turn transforms society [9].
Various analytical models subsequently appeared, such as genetics, dynamic or
structural perspectives [11]. The latter sees social representation as a
socio-cognitive system consisting of a central core and a peripheral system that
complement each other [12]. The central core is the fundamental and
non-negotiable element of the representation. It functions as both a generator and
organizer. The first determines the meaning of the components of the representation; the second defines the nature of the links that connect these elements. The core
is characterized by its stability and its ability to resist contextual developments or
the introduction of new practices. The peripheral system is more permeable to
change. It is subordinate to the core and provides the connection between the
central elements and the social reality of the object. The representation of the
peripheral system can be adapted to the context; this ensures the integrity of the
central core, which remains protected. Although the structural approach has evolved
since its initial definition [13], it remains relevant for understanding social
representations.
Their study is based on several types of data. Research has focused on various
discursive elements, in the form of (undirected or semi-directed) interviews or
questionnaires. A second source is conversations and other forms of verbal interaction in a group or public place. The third is a textual and iconic corpus (archives,
novels, newspaper articles, cartoons, paintings, comic books, photographs, and
films), while word association tests form a fourth set [10]. All of these content types
highlight statements, analogies, and meaning from which social representations can
be developed. They can also prove to be a major societal issue, as the controversy
over nuclear technology demonstrates.
What Cultural Objects Say About Nuclear Accidents …
139