Are Makerspaces Equitable Learning Spaces?

Makerspaces are a specific type of learning space, encompassing physical space and objects, digital technologies, and social learning. They have been heralded as the ‘digital-age equivalent of [...] English Enlightenment coffee houses’ (Brooke, 2012, p. 22) but for a learning space to be considered equitable, it is vital to understand who gets to participate in the space and what type of learning is promoted, to ensure that the benefits are evenly spread throughout the global population. Therefore, an equitable makerspace not only recognizes the importance of equalising access to the space, but also considers how different participants will experience the space, due to their background, identity and community values.This essay comprises the following sections: definitions of terms specific to the topic, a brief overview of the history of makerspaces, the main exploration of equity in makerspaces (subdivided into areas of physical access and digital and social equity), ending with concluding remarks.