Plasticity and New Materialisms: (Re)shaping Methodological Analysis and Critique Alongside Malabou

• In Event: 46.086 - Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: 46.086-20 - Methodological Issues for a Postworld

Abstract

This paper explores Catherine Malabou’s concept of plasticity through methodological and new materialist lenses. Malabou develops plasticity not simply as a philosophical concept, but also as a mode of analytical reading. Given that plasticity simultaneously maintains the ability to receive, give, and annihilate form, new modes of “plastic reading” offer material-discursive possibilities for qualitative data analysis after coding. An inquiry into how teacher leaders (re)shape educational policy demonstrates not only the plasticity of policy, but also works alongside Karen Barad’s intra-actions and Jane Bennett’s vibrant political ecologies. In so doing, plastic readings offer re-envisioned forms of critique called for by new materialist scholars. Specifically, plasticity represents a contribution to post-qualitative data analysis that produces readings grounded in ethics and justice.

Author

• Jasmine Ulmer, Wayne State University