1. "Man-made" implies a gendered perspective: The term "man-made" is rooted in an outdated view that assumes resources are primarily created by men. This ignores the vital contributions of women and people of all genders throughout history.
2. It focuses on human creation, ignoring natural resources: The term often overlooks the fact that many resources, even those we process and use, are derived from the natural world. For example, steel comes from iron ore, which is a natural resource.
Instead of "man-made resources," it's more accurate and inclusive to use terms like:
* Manufactured resources: This emphasizes the processing and creation of materials through human intervention.
* Human-made resources: This acknowledges the role of humans in creating and transforming resources, without gendering the concept.
* Capital goods: This term refers to resources that are used to produce other goods and services.
* Processed materials: This highlights the transformation of raw materials into usable products.
Examples of what might be considered "man-made" or "human-made" resources:
* Buildings: Structures made from processed materials, like steel, concrete, and wood.
* Machines: Tools and equipment used in production, such as cars, computers, and factories.
* Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and other systems that support transportation and communication.
* Software: Computer programs and applications that are developed by humans.
Remember, the term "man-made resources" is outdated and can be seen as exclusionary. Use clearer and more inclusive terms to accurately describe the resources we use and create.