Heterotopia and Actor-Network Theory: Visualizing the Normalization of Remediated Landscapes

Abstract

This article analyzes the heterotopic space of Weldon Spring, Missouri, a site that juxtaposes cultural heritage and recreational activities with a publicly available radioactive and toxic waste dump. The article argues for the value of actor-network theory as a supplement to heterotopia, an addition especially productive given the highly complex networks and configurations that order many contemporary spaces. Specifically, actor-network theory can make visible the range of actors and associations that work to establish specific social orders and practices that attempt to normalize reclaimed landscapes.