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Technology and human capabilities in UK makerspaces
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 20:10 authored by Cian O'Donovan, Adrian SmithAdrian SmithThe relationship between technology and human capabilities is an ambivalent one. The same technology can expand capabilities for some users under certain circumstances, whilst diminishing capabilities for others situated differently. In this paper we analyse human capabilities in relation to digital design and fabrication technologies as configured, sociotechnically, in makerspaces in the UK. Through a combination of methods, the study identifies how some of the capability benefits claimed for makerspaces are experienced in practice, whilst noting that other capabilities claimed appear absent. Q-method in particular enables the study to examine systematically the plurality in these expansions and absences. We discuss how capabilities might be expanded, how our methods might be of wider use, and we draw some conclusions for theory regarding sociotechnical configurations and human capabilities.
Funding
Responsible Innovation and Happiness: A New Approach to the Effect of ICTs; G1889; UNIVERSITY OF OSLO; 170100 - Happy ICT
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Journal of Human Development and CapabilitiesISSN
1945-2829Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-01-08First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-06-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-01-08Usage metrics
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