I will often refer to this concept in plainer language, such as “verbs over nouns”. I imagine it will take me at least another decade to really feel confident describing Karen Barad’s work, which is unique in the world for its union of quantum physics and poststructural feminism. Here’s where I’ve got to in my own head: intra-action describes the way the dynamic relations “between” beings produce the material reality in which we live, while emphasizing the action and de-individuating the actors/actants that engage in that action. Central to Barad’s work is the notion that there are truly no separate entities of any kind anywhere in the universe - everything is subject to quantum entanglement. The material existence of all entities is formed THROUGH their action – this contrasts the usual assumption that action is taken by entities that already exist. Barad is not speaking metaphorically when they refer to quantum physics - this is their material understanding of the world. “Intra” suggests that everything is happening within the entangled thing, rather than between things. Person: Karen Barad
Year: 2007
Elsewhere: New materialism almanac 