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Mathematical MarriagesIntercourse Between Mathematics and Semiotic ChoiceThe Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas, the Faculty of Humanities, Tel-Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel-Aviv 69978, rwagner{at}mta.ac.il This paper examines the interaction between Semiotic choices and the presentation and solution of a family of contemporary mathematical problems centred around the so-called `stable marriage problem'. I investigate how a socially restrictive choice of signs impacts mathematical production both in terms of problem formation and of solutions. I further note how the choice of gendered language ends up constructing a reality, which duplicates the very structural framework that it imported into mathematical analysis in the first place. I go on to point out some semiotic lines of flight from this interlocking grip of mathematics and gendered language.
Key Words: gender role stereotypes language mathematics semiotics stable marriage
Social Studies of Science, Vol. 39, No. 2,
289-308 (2009) |
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