Categorization by Association: Nuclear Technology and Emission-Free Electricity

Raghu Garud, Joel Gehman, Peter Karnøe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

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.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInstitutions and Entrepreneurship
EditorsRobert J. David, Wesley D. Sine
Number of pages43
Place of PublicationBingley
PublisherEmerald Group Publishing
Publication date2010
Pages51-93
Chapter3
ISBN (Print)9780857242396
ISBN (Electronic)9780857242402
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
SeriesResearch in the Sociology of Work
Volume21
ISSN0277-2833

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