Date of Completion
4-21-2014
Embargo Period
3-23-2014
Advisors
Dr. Claudio Benzecry, Dr. Kim Price-Glynn
Field of Study
Sociology
Degree
Master of Arts
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
Scholars have long shown that there are gendered hierarchies within art worlds. This research examines how those hierarchies are forming on the online marketplace Etsy. Using qualitative methodology I examine 10 in-depth interviews with artists actively selling their artwork on Etsy. Additionally, I perform a qualitative content analysis of 50 artist profiles on Etsy. I find that offline cultural frameworks affect the ways these online artists project the value of themselves, their ability, and their art pieces. Offline practices, procedures, and attitudes influence the way we value our self, and thus affect the way we present our self online.
Recommended Citation
Umsted, Natalie K., "The Art of Commerce: Self-Stratification on Etsy" (2014). Master's Theses. 545.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/545
Major Advisor
Dr. Gaye Tuchman