I’m fascinated by the discussion in this article from the Atlantic , the online comments on the article, and the online conversations that followed (just google it). The article zeros in on coding and hacking and contrasts “making,” which the author sees as primarily a male domain, with caregiving, educating, and other more traditionally female roles. The author points out that traditionally female jobs are, of course, traditionally low-paid.
“But there are more significant issues, rooted in the social history of who makes things—and who doesn’t.”
Being a stay-at-home mom was not unusual when my kids were small. The years I spent as an unpaid-but-full-time volunteer (in issue and electoral politics) when they were older were outside the norm, though. Working in politics was very satisfying, but there’s no doubt that the lack of a paycheck cast(s) a shadow on my self-image. Still, I always felt that I was making something: I was making a difference.
That’s why I am interested in the discussion about what we make. The author believes that the maker movement ” mostly re-inscribes familiar values, in slightly different form: that artifacts are important, and people are not.” Others suggest that making things that last is more highly valued than making things that are quickly consumed (dinner, anyone?). Pointing out that women make food, the commenters quickly move into a discussion of why while women are often described as good cooks, top chefs are still usually males. 
“It’s not, of course, that there’s anything wrong with making (although it’s not all that clear that the world needs more stuff). “
I’m know the world need more good food. Although I’m not particularly artistic, I’m pretty sure the world need more beautiful stuff. And that sometimes it’s hard to appreciate what’s beautiful if it isn’t attached to a price.
At this point, I think I am a maker. Some of what I make is ephemeral, some lasts. Most of what I make involves other people, either as consumers or as partners. I understand the author’s concerns, and I appreciate that she has inspired me to think about what that means. The term has become kind of intimidating, but I want to define it for myself rather than rejecting it because I don’t agree with the way others define it.
I’d love to know what you think…..
The deer that are beginning to hang out in the yard again aren’t speaking yet, and so far the bird bath and the creatures who enjoy it are completely tame, even though every year I spend a few hours pulling out the thistles they plant. I’ve heard there’s a fox den farther down in the meadow, though, so who knows what we can expect.
