Using Resources: Conceptualizing the Mediation and Reflective Use of Tools and Signs

Abstract

The idea that culture comprises resources which are used has become a popular means to re-conceptualise the culture-agency antinomy. However, the theorisation of using resources is fragmented. The present article reviews several attempts to theorise resources, arguing that there has been too much focus upon the resources themselves while the notion of use has been neglected. Focusing upon mode of use, as opposed to the resources used, the article underscores the importance of distinguishing between tools, which are used to act upon the world, and signs, which are used to act upon the mind. The article also argues for a distinction between non-reflective use, or mediation, and reflective use of resources. Future research should focus upon the transformation of tools into signs and the transformation of mediation into reflective use. The article concludes by discussing problematic issues which remain in conceptualising the use of resources

Communities of practice in academia: Testing a quantitative model

“…We regard the presentations of academic practice embodied in websites as parts of the academic discourse. Following Gillespie and Zittoun's (2010) conceptualisation of the use of symbolic resources, academic web pages play the role of tools that mediate researchers' acting on and communicating with the academic world. The "leading voices" are the senior scientists, and the younger ones "learn to talk" within the academic discourse, as asserted by Lave and Wenger (1991, p. 109).…”

Participation as Principle and Tool in Social Reintegration: Young Mothers Formerly Associated with Armed Groups in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Northern Uganda

“…As put by Gillespie & Zittoun (2010), agency is culturally constituted as individuals act through cultural tools which enable distanciation from the environment and thus selfregulation, creative action and planning. With respect to their relationship to the community, there is a difference between speaking and being heard; speaking is an individual act whereas being heard involves both speaker and hearer, each motivated to engage with the other.…”

Internalization: How culture becomes mind

“…Another contribution to the internalization debate was proposed with the concept of symbolic resource (Gillespie & Zittoun, 2010;Hale, 2008;Hale & de Abreu, 2010;Muller Mirza, Grossen, de Diesbach-Dolder, & Nicollin, 2014;Zittoun, 2006aZittoun, , 2007Zittoun, , 2013Zittoun et al, 2003). Symbolic resources refer to complex semiotic artifacts, such as books, films or songs, used in relation to something that exceeds their intended meaning.…”