In this paper we explore gender issues in the maker movement using four different methods of data analysis: standardised questionnaires, analysis of makerspaces’ social media, statistical analysis of machine use and the coding of interviews and focus groups. The objective is to give a voice to female makers and makerspace managers, looking at the maker movement from an inside perspective.

The paper demonstrates how gendered stereotypes are still reproduced within the maker movement. Makerspaces still attract considerably more males than females and exhibit a primarily “male” culture, reflected in the interior design of places, or by the language and attitudes of their members. Females in makerspaces, however, often have a background in communications, arts or design, as opposed to the coding or engineering background of the males. Previous research has shown how machines and materials also take on gendered connotations. The “genderisation” of objects refers to an attributed gender-specific use of machines. An example here could be that 3D printing, which is more often used by female makers compared to male members of makerspaces. Our research also identifies promising approaches for tackling the issue of gender imbalance. The maker movement has significant potential to improve gender equality as younger generations bring societal change to makerspaces and break with stereotypes. One of the findings our paper puts forward is the lack of female role models, especially in leading positions.

Our data suggest that the maker scene still has to develop a tradition in reflecting questions around gender stereotypes or their role in partly reproducing them. Hence, we argue that the maker community should be more attentive to this issue and should make a concerted effort to become more diverse. Overall, our case research did not reveal any explicit animosity to gender questions; on the contrary, male makers and most maker communities showed great interest in avoiding gender stereotyping. We suggest applying the Bechdel-Test as a simple tool for clarifying gender topics and encouraging self-reflection among makers. Overall, our paper aims to support makerspaces that want to make diversity part of their strategy for future growth.

在本文中，我们使用四种不同的数据分析方法探讨制造商运动中的性别问题：标准化问卷，对制造商空间的社交媒体进行分析，机器使用的统计分析以及访谈和焦点小组的编码。目的是让女性制造商和制造商空间管理者表达声音，从内部角度审视制造商的运动。

本文展示了在制造者运动中仍如何重现性别刻板印象。创客空间仍然比男性吸引更多的男性，并且展示出主要是“男性”文化，这反映在场所的室内设计中，或者通过其成员的语言和态度反映出来。但是，与男性的编码或工程背景相反，创客空间中的女性通常具有传播，艺术或设计的背景。先前的研究表明，机器和材料也具有性别内涵。对象的“性别化”是指对机器的特定性别使用。这里的一个例子可能是3D打印，与制造商领域的男性成员相比，女性制造者更常使用3D打印。我们的研究还确定了解决性别不平衡问题的有前途的方法。随着年轻一代将社会变革带入创客空间并打破陈规定型观念，创客运动具有改善性别平等的巨大潜力。本文提出的发现之一是缺乏女性榜样，尤其是在领导职位上。

我们的数据表明，制造商界仍然必​​须发展一种传统，以反映有关性别定型观念或其在部分复制中的作用的问题。因此，我们认为制造商社区应该更加关注这个问题，并且应该共同努力以使其更加多样化。总体而言，我们的案例研究并未显示出对性别问题的任何明显敌意。相反，男性制造者和大多数制造者社区对避免性别定型观念表现出极大的兴趣。我们建议将Bechdel测试作为一种简单工具来阐明性别主题并鼓励制造商之间的自我反省。总体而言，我们的论文旨在为希望将多样性纳入其未来发展战略的创客空间提供支持。