The representation of woman's concept in the Decimal Dewey Classification (DDC) and in the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)

two perspectives for the same concept?

Abstract

The dynamics and emergence of new knowledge requires building new knowledge organization systems and reviewing others for the location and access of knowledege. In this process the structures of knowledge organization assume particular relevance, as effective instruments to accomplish these purposes. For its longevity, the bibliographical classifications stand out and among them particularly the Dewey Decimal Classification (CDD) and the Universal Decimal Classification (CDU). It is proposed to identify how these two systems represent the concept of woman and whether this can be considered as an indicator of two perspectives on the same concept. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted, based on literature review and comparative analysis of the representation of this concept in the two systems considered. Two different perspectives are not observed in relation to the woman’s concept, because the two systems continue to translate the positivist mentality in which they were conceived. The low representativeness of the concept of woman in the two classification systems is evident with regard to exhaustivity and specificity. Both systems reflect the notion of woman in a depreciative and inferior plan to the masculine, translating the traditional stereotype.