Fixing Motorcycles in Post-Repair Societies: Technology, Aesthetics and Gender

This book explores the labour, knowledge, and social relations involved in maintaining and repairing motorcycles in Romania, using ethnographic methods to document the joys and troubles experienced by amateur and professional mechanics and untechnical men and women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Social science studies on automobility have primarily focused on the production, usage, identity construction, and aesthetic improvements of personal means of transportation. However, a shift in focus to the labor, knowledge, and social relations involved in the unavoidable moments of maintenance and repair offers a unique perspective. This book, taking motorcycling in Romania as an ethnographic entry point, explores how bikers handle the inevitable moments of malfunction and breakdown. Using both mobile and sedentary research methods, the book describes the joys and troubles experienced by amateur mechanics, professional mechanics, and untechnical men and women when fixing bikes.

One of the key findings of the book is that maintenance and repair are not just technical tasks but also social and cultural practices. Bikers engage in a range of activities, such as socializing, learning, and negotiating, while they work on their bikes. These activities not only help to improve the quality of the repair but also contribute to the social and cultural identity of the bikers.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of technology in maintenance and repair. While technology has made it easier for bikers to fix their bikes, it has also created new challenges. For example, the increasing complexity of modern bikes has made it difficult for amateur mechanics to repair them, while the rise of online repair communities has made it easier for professional mechanics to share their knowledge and expertise.

The book also highlights the gendered nature of maintenance and repair. Women are often underrepresented in the field, and they face a range of challenges, such as discrimination, harassment, and lack of access to resources. However, the book also shows that women can be successful in the field and that they can bring unique perspectives and skills to the table.

In addition to the social and cultural aspects of maintenance and repair, the book also explores the economic implications of the field. Bikers spend a significant amount of money on their bikes, and the cost of maintenance and repair can be a significant burden. However, the book also shows that the field can be a source of economic opportunity, particularly for small businesses and independent mechanics.

The book also provides a range of recommendations for improving the field of maintenance and repair. These recommendations include increasing access to resources, promoting diversity and inclusion, and developing new technologies and techniques.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful look at the world of maintenance and repair. It highlights the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the field and provides a range of recommendations for improving the field. Whether you are a biker, a mechanic, or a researcher, this book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and information.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800738775