Savic, S., & Wuschitz, S. (2018). Feminist Hackerspace as a Place of Infrastructure Production. Ada: A Journal of Gender, New Media, and Technology, 13. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12708/144827
E259-04 - Forschungsbereich Architekturtheorie und Technikphilosophie
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Journal:
Ada: A Journal of Gender, New Media, and Technology
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ISSN:
2325-0496
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Date (published):
Jan-2018
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Number of Pages:
21
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Publisher:
University of Oregon * Libraries
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Peer reviewed:
Yes
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Keywords:
hackerspace
en
Abstract:
Work in a feminist hackerspace relies on the circulation of knowledge and availability of hardware. In contemporary maker scene, the majority of these resources is created in male- dominated circles and handed over to female identified makers to act upon and appropriate. Attempts to reconcile the disbalance in gender participation with pink-colored
microcontrollers only reinforced existing gender and cultural stereotypes. Instead of adding to the growing voice of critique of exclusionist and inclusionist practices, we take a critical stand towards feminist hacking practice itself: we look at what is produced by feminist hackerspaces. Using standpoint theory to analyze the experience of working with one particular self-organized group of feminist artists and developers, this paper looks at practice in feminist hackerspaces as a way to create and share essential infrastructure with female or transgender identified makers. We analyze patterns of mutual self-help through sharing and learning, and their role in creating feminist infrastructure.