Domestic Dusters

Abstract This article presents an innovative account of creativity and protest viewed through the lens of the Domestic Dusters research project, which tactically positions a cleaning cloth as a surprising and unconventional tool for social resistance. It reflects on its tactical and political use in collaboration with the grassroots organization We Care, which advocates for the rights of unpaid carers. Underpinned by autoethnographic and collaborative craft-based methodologies that entice social change, embroidered dusting cloths were displayed and presented to politicians at the Welsh Parliament by carers calling for recognition of their important but often-hidden and undervalued roles. This work makes a distinctive contribution to the theory and practice of doing politics, engaging audiences, and making social change.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Contention
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3167/cont.2025.130204
Primary Topic
Crafts, Textile, and Design
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Domestic Dusters

Vanessa Marr
Contention
Crafts, Textile, and Design
article

Domestic Dusters

Vanessa Marr
article en

Abstract

Abstract This article presents an innovative account of creativity and protest viewed through the lens of the Domestic Dusters research project, which tactically positions a cleaning cloth as a surprising and unconventional tool for social resistance. It reflects on its tactical and political use in collaboration with the grassroots organization We Care, which advocates for the rights of unpaid carers. Underpinned by autoethnographic and collaborative craft-based methodologies that entice social change, embroidered dusting cloths were displayed and presented to politicians at the Welsh Parliament by carers calling for recognition of their important but often-hidden and undervalued roles. This work makes a distinctive contribution to the theory and practice of doing politics, engaging audiences, and making social change.

ContentionVol. 13(2)
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Crafts, Textile, and Design
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