Lars E.F. Johannessen

Abstract Metaphors operate as symbolic infrastructures that shape how the social world is conceptualized and rendered intelligible. This article develops a cultural sociology of metaphor, arguing that metaphors encode epistemic, normative and aesthetic logics within the architecture of theoretical reasoning. Moving beyond cognitive and illustrative models, it introduces the concept of metaphorical infrastructure to describe how dominant metaphors condition what becomes visible, sayable and legitimate in sociological discourse. These infrastructures are not passive frameworks but performative forms that organize symbolic authority and guide theoretical interpretation within sociological fields. Drawing on cultural sociology, the sociology of knowledge and conceptual metaphor theory, the article proposes a typology of four metaphorical regimes – mechanistic, spatial, sacral and musical – each enacting a distinct vision of the social and its analytical and moral stakes. This framework is illustrated through two paradigmatic cases: Crenshaw’s intersection, which functions as a spatial infrastructure of critical reflexivity, and Berger’s sacred canopy, which encodes a sacral logic of moral order. Together, these metaphors demonstrate how performative infrastructures shape the scope, authority and symbolic form through which sociology envisions the social world. By theorizing metaphors as infrastructures rather than illustrations, the article advances a reflexive framework for uncovering the symbolic foundations of sociological theory. It invites further inquiry into how metaphors sustain theoretical authority, mediate disciplinary change and anchor the cultural power of sociological knowledge.

Reading list:

Metaphors at work: The symbolic infrastructures of sociological theory - Francesco Cerchiaro (2025)

journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.... #sociology #socialtheory

Thanks for sharing! I've added your studies to my reading list :)

i've only skimmed this so far but it looks really interesting. comments on things i've raised in the past regarding EMCA's relation to autism that need addressing. but i saw this endnote (first pic) and would like to use it as a prompt to re-up my own EMCA work on autism (the other three pics).

Rethinking Face‐to‐Face Interaction: Lessons from Studies of “Autistic Sociality” Face-to-face interaction is a foundational concept in microsociology. This article surveys the social experiences of autistic people, who are commonly known for having a strained relationship with in...

New on Early View: "Rethinking Face-to-Face Interaction: Lessons from Studies of “Autistic Sociality”" by Lars E. F. Johannessen doi.org/10.1002/symb... #sssi #sociology #interactionism #autism #sociality

Rethinking Face‐to‐Face Interaction: Lessons from Studies of “Autistic Sociality” Face-to-face interaction is a foundational concept in microsociology. This article surveys the social experiences of autistic people, who are commonly known for having a strained relationship with in...

✨ New publication ✨

Face-to-face is often treated as the “gold standard” of interaction. My new article shows how autistic sociality complicates this view, revealing alternative ways of connecting.

Available open access in Symbolic Interaction:
#sociology #anthrosky #autism #neurodiversity

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Reading list:

Theorizing in Times of Crisis, Fragmentation and Disorder (2025)

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

Abstract This article argues that in an age of artificial intelligence (AI), sociologists have not adequately thought about the challenges posed to their work and pedagogy. Drawing on examples from Hong Kong, we foreground the challenges that AI poses to sociological education, student success and working conditions, amid the marketization of higher education and broad shifts in funding toward STEM disciplines. We then suggest four tactical strategies for sociology to respond and live with AI: (1) incorporating computational training into sociological education; (2) incorporating AI into instrument design for sociological research; (3) incorporating AI into models of inference; and (4) incorporating AI into classroom and campus design. We contend that, in doing so, we may rethink the repertoires of professional sociology with new frontiers for AI applications and modalities of student education.

Reading list:

The promises and perils of AI for sociology (Au & Fong, 2025, published in Sociology)

journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...

Thanks! She has been a nice little companion so far! :-)

A selfie of me trying to rock a dual monitor-setting in our couch while our new baby sleeps on my chest

Work-life (im)balance

First-person picture of our new baby sleeping on my chest while I'm reading a nice little book

Optimal combo

I seems to be fixed on my end now, but let me know if you still experience any issues!

Thanks for the notice! I'm on vacation but will see if I can fix it nonetheless.

30+ microsociologists in Trondheim

Time for day one of the Norwegian microsociology meeting! Look at this beautiful room of people 😍

Nice water view at 10 pm in Trondheim

It's finally here: the second annual meeting of the Norwegian Microsociological Network! This year we're in Trondheim, with Gary Alan Fine and Iddo Tavory as special guests. The drinks reception is over; now we have two full days of talks to look forward to 🤠

Reading list:

Monika Krause (2024): Theorizing from Neglected Cases

www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

My not so impressive view of the livestream

Hartmut Rosa just gave the Vilhelm Aubert memorial lecture at the University of Oslo. The guy packed two auditoriums (!) and half of us had to watch on livestream.

Generative AI for Academics

Currently reading "Generative AI for academics" by @drmarkcarrigan.bsky.social It's a refreshing, sociological take on a topic dominated by self-help books, and Mark is particularly good at articulating his ambivalence towards GenAI and what it means for scholarship.

The list of words the Trump administration has banned from research grants is even longer than the lists I’ve seen online. Here are screenshots of the words confirmed by the NYTimes and listed in this article www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

YouTube video by Norwegian Microsociological Network Isaac Ariail Reed: “Interpretation reframed: On theory and truth in the human sciences”

Isaac A. Reed gave a brilliant guest lecture at @oslomet.bsky.social earlier this week, discussing the balance between under- and overinterpretation when using theory in empirical social research. The lecture can be seen here: youtu.be/3vmmafrv9kY?...
#sociology #philsky

That would be a "drita full professor"

It's a Nordic thing!

Rookie mistake!

That would be "bakfull professor". Completely different ballgame.

Fun fact: "Full professor" means "drunk professor" in Norwegian.

Abstract New technology brings new methodological opportunities. While long limited to face-to-face interviewing, today’s interview researchers can choose from a plethora of options, including email, instant messaging, telephone, and video interviews. Consequently, the issue of interview modes and their relative strengths and weaknesses has received increased attention. In this article, we take stock of existing writings on interview modes in qualitative interview research. Drawing on key insights from more general theorizing about face-to-face and remote interaction, we identify and challenge five key assumptions in writings about interview modes: (1) that physical copresence ensures more and better data; (2) that interview modes have determinate effects on interaction; (3) that remote interviewing should seek to replicate face-to-face interviewing; (4) that interviews modes should be held constant within each study; and (5) that face-to-face interviewing is unmediated. We counter each assumption with a series of more productive methodological principles and advance instead a view we call interview mode pluralism, which offers a more nuanced and relational understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different interview modes. The article thus helps increase the methodological literacy of those conducting and evaluating qualitative interview research, enhancing the likelihood that researchers select those tools best suited for their tasks, and reducing the chance that evaluators dismiss research based on their methodological prejudice.

📢 New paper 📢

We bust 5 myths about face-to-face vs. remote interviewing and argue for "interview mode pluralism" as a more context-aware way of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different interview modes.

Link: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

#Sociology #comsky #STS

Smug ski selfie

Went off pist for a short while and left my mark in the snow

A beautiful sunny day at Storefjell

Random horse grassing (?) in the snow

Went skiing for the first time in 10+ years. Fell on my ass a handful of times. Met a horse. Good times.

Overall assessment Considering the submitted material and of the criteria for promotion laid down in the regulations, guidelines for assessment of competence in hiring and promotion at OsloMet, the Committee finds, based on the academic portfolio, education, academic degrees, scientific papers, participation in management of research and development projects, work experience, and pedagogical qualifications, that Lars Emil Fagernes Johannessen is highly qualified for promotion to the post of professor in knowledge, expertise and professions. The conclusion is unanimous and indubitable

Mountain view from my hotel room at Storefjell

Got promoted to full professor today! AND I'm at a mountain resort for three days of sociological bliss. It's going to be one hell of a weekend!

The Fremen walk works though! I haven't fallen on my ass in several years 😎

a man and a woman are walking in the desert Alt: The fremen walk from Dune

Me navigating the icy streets of Oslo

The trolley meme but with Dolly Parton controlling the lever

Can I interest you in a Trolley Parton?