On the Relational Autonomy of Materials: Entanglements in Maker Literacies Research

This article addresses key components of posthumanism and maker literacies by reporting on empirical data from two makerspace research sites. Using posthuman methodologies, we suggest practical considerations the relational autonomy of materials through entanglements between humans, non-humans, and more-than-humans in makerspace classroom settings. We propose answers to the following research questions: How do materials manifest their relational autonomy in makerspaces? How could the relational autonomy of materials impact maker literacies pedagogy? With this article, our contribution warrants researchers to think about the unpredictability of maker work through posthuman methodologies, and how maker projects can help speak against the failing student rhetoric in literacy education.