The politics of performative ontology in information systems
Abstract
This article argues that information systems (ISs) and information system ontologies
(ISOs) are powerful devices that perform reality in profound ways. The development and
use of ISOs are forms of ontological politics through which interests are promoted,
identities established and resources distributed. ISOs are ideological in so far as their
political nature is not recognised while serving partial interests. This happens when ISOs
are seen as merely technical, inevitable and natural. A democratic politics of ISs and
ISOs is needed in order to make public these political actions. This article aims to create
a critical awareness of the ways in which technologies perform reality an d argues that the
political agenda must be activated through the opening up of terrains of dissensus and
contestation within the technical performances of reality. It provides examples of such
ontological politics of technology.