Fourteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This work investigates how the adoption and challenge of gendered expectations influences the spaces in which mothers design/create, the processes and materials they choose, and the time that they have to devote to their work. Throughout this year-long research project, we have both embarked on making endeavors that are contained in the lap: one to connect to the past, and one to connect to the present. Making in the same way that women have made for centuries, we are further connecting to the space, time, and action of mother makers. A Note on the Division of Labor by Sex defines this women’s work as, “The (woman) is not obliged to be far from home; the tasks are relatively monotonous and do not require rapt concentration; and the work is not dangerous, can be performed in spite of interruptions, and is easily resumed once interrupted” (Brown, Judith K., 1970). Connecting to the work we create, a series of stories will be gathered from mother designers and makers. Alternative histories, how stories are told, and how these stories are collected is investigated.