Practiceswhere
Practiceswhere is a concept in social theory and organization studies that refers to the situated context in which social practices occur. The term combines practice with where to emphasize that practices are produced, performed, and constrained by spatial, material, technological, and social surroundings. It views practices not as abstract behaviors but as phenomena that unfold within specific locations, networks, and infrastructures.
Origin and theoretical background: Practiceswhere builds on practice theory, especially the work of scholars such as
Applications and domains: In organizational studies, practiceswhere helps analyze how office layouts, software platforms, and governance
Methods and analysis: Researchers employ ethnography, spatial mapping, and material-semiotic analysis to chart the intersections of
Criticisms and considerations: Critics caution that focusing on space can risk determinism if agency is underplayed.
Related concepts include practice theory, space and place, actor-network theory, and materiality.