Non-events and nothings: the potential of negatively defined phenomena for information science
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65263Keywords:
uncertainty, arts-based methods, information practice, information behaviourAbstract
Introduction. We tend to research things that are visible and marked rather than those that are not. Unsurprisingly, ‘nothings’—non-things, non-identification, non-presence, non-events, and other ‘negatively defined phenomena’ (Scott, 2018)—are less prevalent in research undertakings and findings. This exploratory conceptual paper examines negatively defined phenomena and how identifying what is ‘nothing’ can expand our understanding of the difference that makes a difference (Bateson, 1973). We suggest examining negatively defined phenomena provide an opportunity to broaden our perspective of norms and assumptions and what is given priority as a research topic in the information studies context.
Method + Analysis. Using the case study of Skooliepalooza, a nomadic ungathering, we explore non-events as meaningful in their own right. Building on work from Scott (2018, 2019), we consider non-events, dimensions of nothing, with a specific focus on non-identity, and the acts of commission (doing/being non-something) and omission (non-doing/not-being something) that contribute to the ‘reverse marking negative space’ (Scott, 2018, p. 5).
Conclusion. In this short exploratory conceptual paper, we invite thinking about negatively defined phenomena as sites worthy of research in their own right, not necessarily needing the phenomena to be the opposite of the activity or behaviour, but rather that researching things that are ‘non’ are valuable.
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