Gender and identity

Question 1

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a positive impact on how women see themselves as gender stereotypes are frequently challenged

Answer 1

• Boellstorff (second life) users are not limited by their gender identity, and can choose a non-gendered avatar to reduce stereotyping
• # likeagirl #banbossy #thisgirlcan
• Apps, like Bumble allow women to act first (challenge damsel in distress stereotype)

Question 2

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a positive impact on how women see themselves as women can transcend their gender identity online

Answer 2

• Boellstorff (second life) women can choose a non-gendered avatar on the VR platform to transcend expectations of women

Question 3

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a positive impact on how women see themselves as women can join digital social networks to become more empowered

Answer 3

• Bates- everyday sexism movement
• Chittal #feminism
• Mumsnet or London Lonely Girls Club (community of women)
• # MeToo

Question 4

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a negative impact on how women see themselves as gender stereotypes are perpetuated online

Answer 4

• Perez- under-representation of women on Google images and Google translate (E.g. woman= teacher, man= ceo
• Green and Singleton- online communities associated with women, reinforce home maker stereotype

Question 5

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a negative impact on how women see themselves as they experience gender cyber hate

Answer 5

• Bates (everyday sexism) received hundreds of sexual threats daily due to her gender
• Violent language against women used online, causes women to leave social media or fear for their safety

Question 6

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a positive impact on the way men see themselves as they can challenge unhealthy traditional male stereotypes

Answer 6

• ‘boys don’t cry’ and ‘man up’ stereotypes used against men, which are challenged in #itsoktotalk campaign
• Men post a selfie doing the ‘okay’ hand sign with hashtag, and nominate 5 others to do the same

Question 7

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a positive impact on the way men see themselves as they can challenge toxic masculinity

Answer 7

• Masculinity associated with grandly behaviours- digital communications can help challenge this
• Gilette’s campaign #thebestmencanbe created in the wake of #metoo and is focused on men challenging harmful behaviour

Question 8

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications can have a negative impact on the way men see themselves as toxic masculinity can be reinforced and encouraged online

Answer 8

• Giese- internet has reinforced worst aspects of masculinity (agression, competitiveness, violence). E.g. in GTA, male characters are hyper-masculine vs female characters which are sexual objects
• Schmitz and Kazyak- looked at male activist groups, and found sites promoted agression towards and devaluation of women