Feminist explanations of digital forms of communication

Question 1

Haraway

Answer 1

Harraway argues that women should be included in digital communication just as much as men, because
the idea of a woman is socially constructed by the patriarchy

She argues that cyborgs can allow women
to rise above gender boundaries and to create a new positive identity

Question 2

Haraway

Answer 2

Opportunity to challenge traditional roles.

Positive impact to those experiencing inequality and oppression

Digital communication is open, democratic
Allows greater equality in the sharing of ideas

Patriarchy can be challenged

Question 3

Haraway

Answer 3

Digital communication is open, democratic
Allows greater equality in the sharing of ideas

Patriarchy can be challenged

Question 4

Nakamura

Answer 4

Nakamura argues that women from ethnic minorities have gained a mass usage in social media, which
enables them to talk about sensitive topics, such as racism or discrimination

For example, the
#sayhername movement which talked about black women being open about assault

Question 5

Nakamura

Answer 5

Digital communication more accessible to women across the world

Range of ethnic minorities gaining increasing presence in digital communication

Question 6

[dont use this] Arlaacki

Answer 6

Access to pornography has increased
leading to greater sexual objectification of females

Exploitation is an undesirable consequence of globalisation

Question 7

Cochrane

Answer 7

Cochrane identifies a fourth wave of feminism which is powered by digital technology online, such as
cyber-feminism, so women’s voices are no longer muted

Question 8

man like Boellstorff

Answer 8

Boellstorff second life suggests that women aren’t limited by their real gender identities when choosing
their own cyborgs and avatars online, for example women may choose male avatars to experience a
masculine identity while other women use a cyborg identity where their gender excludes sexual politics