Common Threads Women, Mathematics and Work

Throughout the world the largest group of people who underachieve in mathematics is women and girls. And the largest group of people who knit, sew and weave is women and girls. Recently,an exhibition called "Common Threads" demonstrated the wealth of mathematical thinking in the traditional work of women throughout the world, raising questions about male dominance in both mathematics and work. "Common Threads" toured England for two years, contributing to cross-curricular initiatives in schools and celebrating the mathematics in traditionally female crafts. The exhibition was taken over by the British Council for a world tour beginning in 1991. Its originator, Mary Harris, worked in 14 countries, with mathematics educators, women's groups and vocational trainers, using it as a stimulus for curriculum development, local materials production and grass-roots mathematics education. The book tells how "Common Threads" came about, and describes its influences on mathematics education and the education of women and girls world-wide. It is a practical book, written in plain English, and drawing on the author's experience in challenging traditions in mathematics education and the tyranny of textbooks.