Suchman1994a

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Suchman1994a
BibType ARTICLE
Key Suchman1994a
Author(s) Lucy Suchman
Title Working relations of technology production and use
Editor(s)
Tag(s) EMCA, Design Practice, Feminist Epistemology, Social Boundaries, Systems Development, Work-oriented Design
Publisher
Year 1994
Language English
City
Month
Journal Computer Supported Cooperative Work
Volume 2
Number 1-2
Pages 21–39
URL Link
DOI 10.1007/BF00749282
ISBN
Organization
Institution
School
Type
Edition
Series
Howpublished
Book title
Chapter

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Abstract

This paper explores the relevance of recent feminist reconstructions of objectivity for the development of alternative visions of technology production and use. I take as my starting place the working relations that make up the design and use of technical systems. Working relations are understood as networks or webs of connections that sustain the visible and invisible work required to construct coherent technologies and put them into use. I outline the boundaries that characterize current relations of development and use, and the boundary crossings required to transform them. Three contrasting premises for design-the view from nowhere, detached engagement, and located accountability — are taken to represent incommensurate alternatives for a politics of professional design. From the position of located accountability, I close by sketching aspects of what a feminist politics and associated practices of system development could be.

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