Conceptualizing Sustainable Craft: Concept Analysis of Literature

Abstract

Achieving sustainability requires developing consistent solutions to global challenges impacting all levels and aspects of societies, including in crafts. The relatively new concept of sustainable craft is often used, but not clearly defined. This study views sustainable craft literature (N42) analytically using the concept analysis (C.A.) method in order to make sense of the concept and build theory associated with the contemporary phenomena. Thereby, the aim of the study is to analyse how the concept is used, how it can be defined, and what relationships it has. The concept of sustainable craft is a multidisciplinary global phenomenon, applied as policies and practices, markets and economy, materials and life cycle in intertwined contexts of use, aiming to reconcile and revive traditions and artisanal production for a sustainable lifestyle in the industrial world.

Keywords:

• sustainable craft
• craft
• design
• sustainability
• concept analysis (C.A.)

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the University of Eastern Finland for providing a junior researcher position for 2017-2018 as well as the Finnish Cultural Foundation, North Savo Regional Fund for enabling the research activity of the first author.

Disclosure statement

The authors claim no conflict of interest in reporting this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Niina Väänänen

Niina Väänänen is a craft teacher and PhD student in Craft Science, specializing in clothing and textile crafts and design. Her doctoral studies focus on conceptualizing sustainable craft.

Sinikka Pöllänen

Sinikka Pöllänen is a professor of Craft Science, and her studies focus on crafted well-being. She has published several articles relating to craft and well-being, craft pedagogue and craft as an occupation and leisure time activity.