The Material Turn

The Material Turn is a shift in thinking that emphasizes the importance of physical materials and tangible things in understanding the world. Instead of focusing solely on ideas, symbols, or human concepts, it recognizes that objects, materials, and their properties actively shape human experiences, cultures, and knowledge. This approach encourages studying how materials—like textiles, metals, or biological substances—interact with and influence social practices, technology, and our environment, highlighting that the material world plays a central role in shaping the way we live and think.