Flavin, M.
Wikipedia = Heterotopia
(2022) New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia
DOI: 10.1080/13614568.2022.2047800
Abstract
This paper analyses the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia using Michel Foucault’s (1926–1984) concept of heterotopia. In Foucault’s writings, heterotopias are both similar to and distinct from the conditions that give rise to them. The paper undertakes a case study of one entry on Wikipedia (the entry for the “Episteme”) focusing primarily on the main entry and the talk page. The methodology is content analysis with a directed approach: data were gathered in November–December 2020. The paper argues Wikipedia can usefully be analysed as a heterotopia because it exposes the contentious conditions of knowledge production, which is not standard practice for an encyclopaedia. The article adds to our understanding by applying the Foucauldian concept of heterotopia to a specific Wikipedia entry, highlighting how knowledge is produced out of dispute and subjective discourses. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Author Keywords
content analysis; episteme; Foucault; heterotopia; Wikipedia
Index Keywords
Case-studies, Condition, Content analysis, Episteme, Foucault, Heterotopia, Michel Foucault, Online encyclopedia, Paper analysis, Wikipedia
Foucault News 