Re-conceptualizing the ideal homes in rural China: an actor-network theory approach

This article uses Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to examine how urban-rural migrants in China build ideal homes in rural areas. It focuses on the interactions between migrants and various actors (farmland, landscapes, locals, resources, technology) in creating home networks. The study, based on two years of qualitative research with 18 interviewees, reveals a three-step translation process: problem presentation, enrollment and benefit granting, and negotiation of obligatory passage points (OPPs). The research highlights how sustainability and recyclability become shared goals, transforming rural life from a backward concept to a harmonious blend of tradition, ecology, and modernity. However, the study notes complexities and instabilities in human-land relationships, suggesting future research should consider the role of government policies.

Peng Wang, Shuyue Xie, Honggang Xu