Feminism And Digital Forms Of Communication

Question 1

Stats about gender and digital communication

Answer 1

• women use social media such as instagram and Pinterest more than men
• on linked in, a site for employability and professional networks, has considerably more male users than female. Females not given equal work opportunities, leads to patriarchal system in workplaces e.g. pay gap

Question 2

Feminist theory on digital forms of communication

Answer 2

• feminists are critical of old media which women in a limited rang of social roles.
• digital communication may emphasise women’s looks and bodies more than achievement
• theres a patriarchal dominance in the digital world
• Haraway suggests that technological advancements offer the possibility for women to become more empowered, more opportunities

Question 3

How has digital forms of communication negatively affected women?

Answer 3

Body shaming and abuse (increased by rise of social media), focusing on their body and looks rather than achievement

Question 4

What is the muted group theory by Kramarae?

Answer 4

The control of new digital forms of communication is done via organisations owned mainly by men
- feminists have developed mixed group theory whereby women (have little power compared to men) are muted by society
- internet controlled by men

Karamae found that in virtual worlds such as second life females adopted a male identity, perhaphs indicating that men have more power and are heard more so than women

Question 5

Globalisation and exploitation of women

Answer 5

• criminal gangs e.g./ traffickers, seek sexual entertainment
• protecting women from exploitation has not always been protruded
• human trafficking networks hard to control as they operate covertly, especially with the internet making sex crimes easier to get away with

Question 6

Positive responses of feminism

Answer 6

• more women are being seen and heard - ore power through social media platforms
• new technology support girl power movements (facebook campaigns)
• campaigns that have global supporters, against sexists stereotypes in music videos e.g. blurred lines (represents women in a sexual and domesticated way - not empowering)

Question 7

Strengths of feminism

Answer 7

• feminists are optimistic and support new forms of communication that allows women to express themselves (this is supported by postmodernists)
• Green and Singleton praise the use of smartphones and digital technology such as testing. Helps create and maintain female identities and friendships, support communities and campaigns on a global scale - empowers women (supported by functionalists, integrated society)
• the use of technology to reduce oppression and stand against misogynistic views

Question 8

Weakness of feminism

Answer 8

• new forms of digital communication can encourage exploitation of women (e.g. sex trafficking sites)
• women online subject to sexism and abuse and threats (women in power are still hated on)