Actor-network theory (n.) is a theory that social order is not brought about or caused, but rather is an effect, an effect generated not just by people with intentions, but by machines, architectures, clothes, and texts as well, which all contribute to the patterning of the social such that if they up and disappeared, so too would order.
Actor-network theory (n.) explores and describes local processes of patterning, social orchestration, ordering and resistance.
Actor-network theory (n.) is concerned with seeing different materials (people, machines, 'ideas'and all the rest) as interactional effects rather than primitive causes.
Actor-network theory (n.) is grounded in the denial that people are necessarily special. It raises basic questions about what we mean when we talk about people.
Actor-network theory (n.) is interested in the diverse props that sustain action and is interested also in the way the props are held in place long enough to do so.