Objects that matter

Abstract

Abstract It has been two decades since the social-material turn in social interaction studies proved the heuristic limits of a logocentric analytical geography. In this paper, we focus on the performative function of objects in an underexplored learning activity: parent-assisted homework. Adopting a Conversation Analysis informed approach complemented by the ventriloquial perspective on communication, we illustrate how parent-assisted homework is accomplished through the multiple resources in the semiotic field. Particularly, we show how participants orient to and exploit the agency of materiality in interaction. In the conclusion we raise a socio-pedagogical issue concerning the cultural capital embedded in the learning environment as well as the parents’ competence in recognizing and exploiting it in ways that are aligned with the school culture.