lesson 7: feminism and digital communication Flashcards
what do feminists argue about digital communication?
-critical of old media and dc which engage in symbolic annihilation of women
-dc tends to show women in limited range of social roles and achievements
-emphasises women’s appearance more than achievement and IQ eg. porn
how does haraway suggest females should use technology to create identities?
cyborgs allow people to rise above gender-bound ideas of what it means to be a person. suggests technological advances offer possibility to create new forms of identity not bound by traditional ideas or dominant patriarchal discourses
what did nakamura say about women and digital communication?
ncreased presence of ethnic minorities using digital communications and enables their particular interest
eg. “the everyday sexism project” where women sent in experiences of street harassment, sexual harassment & body shaming
what is the muted group theory by kramarae?
control of dc is done via TNCs, owned by mainly men. so women are muted by society so their voice is not heard. internet is controlled by men from software to organisation. can make the internet become asexual.
how has globalisation led to the exploitation of women?
criminals gangs find it easier to exploit woman for sexual entertainment. internet has made it easier to operate human trafficking discreetly
what are the negative impacts of the exploitation of women due to digital communication?
-physical, sexual and emotional abuse with short & long term effects
-commodification of women (buying and selling)
-ability to share eroticising of mens violence towards women
-objectification (no feelings, dignity or rights)
-sexualised violent imagery
-viewing violence against women eg. revenge porn provides new form of social control over women, perpetuating patriarchy
what are the positive aspects of technology for feminists?
-fourth wave of feminism argued greater emphasis on tech as form of communication, making it easier for women to group together and be heard
-used to promote movements like “mumsnet” (cochrane)
-uprising to ban racist and sexist media eg. blurred lines music video
what are the strengths of feminist views on digital communication?
-optimistic and supports new forms of dc which allow women to express themselves without falling into traditional assumptions
-green and singleton : praise use of smartphones as help to create and maintain female identities, friendships, support & communities in local & global spaces. empowers women
-cochrane says dc made women aware of multi-oppression happening in society. aware of how patriarchal institutions spread use of oppression through dc. if understand this, then can stop it
what are the weaknesses of feminist views on digital communication?
-critical of new opportunities globalisation creates for exploitation . simply an extension of older forms of traditional methods which reflect patriarchy.
-supporting idea that dc can be problematic and an issue for women, can mean sexism, abuse and threats are normalised. eg stella creasy threatened with sexual abuse via twitter
