Gender dichotomies in the kitchen: feminine and masculine qualities in spaces and artifacts
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Margaret Johnson (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Patrick Lee Lucas
Abstract: Using a postmodern theory of close readings, I investigated three artifacts: the KitchenAid Stand Mixer, the George Foreman Grill, and the Keurig Coffee Maker to trace the changing values as imbedded in kitchens in the early twenty-first century. The kitchen indicates a space in the home filled with hidden symbols and ideologies that reflect the identities of its owners. Historically, the kitchen has primarily been associated with feminine qualities, but today it represents more of a hybrid space, intertwining masculine and feminine genders. I observe this gender dichotomy in the layout and design of the kitchen, but also in the objects placed there. In addition, I characterized a set of wedding registries from Belk Department Store and investigated a set of floor plans from Better Homes and Gardens to further investigate the gender dichotomies of the kitchen.
Gender dichotomies in the kitchen: feminine and masculine qualities in spaces and artifacts
PDF (Portable Document Format)
953 KB
Created on 5/1/2012
Views: 11281
Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2012
- Keywords
- George Foreman, Keurig, KitchenAid Stand Mixer, Material Culture
- Subjects
- Kitchen appliances $x Design
- Kitchens $x Design and construction
- Material culture
- Symbolism in architecture