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Lath,

While we could sit around and work in our bathrobes (and do for those of us 
with home-based offices--we even make jokes about it), clothing also has 
that "tribal" function--part of group identity. So, while part of dress 
decisions are functional, they take on a life of their own whereby 
individual identify with a group and with group leadership. Technology 
(literally tools) that is functional AND takes on a function of marking 
group identity and status.

With other female evaluators, I have been amused to note that we inspect 
each others shoes. Comfortable black shoes to stand for long periods and 
travel well seem to be part of the uniform. Function and symbols are closely 
connected and they change. That's why it is so fascinating to watch. Note 
that the archeaology story posted was "in the field." I think that may be 
the fertile source for new and lively science visual symbols. Many 
scientific disciplines have a "field" component that may be a good source of 
their unique symbols. I know a little about that in astronomy and 
archaeology because I have worked on those types of projects. I find the 
that a lot of the fun and commaraderie of the scientific enterprise comes 
out in these expressions of identity. Teens and children pick up on it 
immediately, and I suspect it may be part of what we assess as "interest in 
scientific content."

Cheers,

Carey



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lath Carlson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: Scientist Dress Codes


ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
institutions.
*****************************************************************************

"But, you really have a point about the visual vocabulary--the one we
have
(and often use) is quickly becoming irrelevant and historic rather than
a
useful tool to depict different disciplines of science. That's one
reason my
mind turned to dress code--the best symbols are ones that work on
several
levels by emerging form the specific context and begin to "stand for"
that
context."

I think that the context dependency of style of dress is not really that
different then that of tools. White lab coats make sense in the context
of a lab where there is a potential for getting dirty, but this is less
and less the environment in which scientists work. My concern is that
the ubiquitous use of computers in all fields has severely limited our
visual vocabulary. In addition that use of computers has effected dress
codes in the same way. When everything from scientific research, to art,
to manufacturing can be done by computer then there is no reason for
these professions to maintain separate modes of dress. Heck, we can all
just sit around in our pajamas at home in front of our laptops!

-Lath

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