Unit 3 - Section A: THEORETICAL EXPLANTIONS - Feminist (positive)

Question 1

Haraway

Answer 1

Wrote the study ‘A Cyborg Manifesto’ and felt that women should be a part of the technological advances that were occurring, rather than being reduced to the social construction of what a woman ‘should’ be. Discusses the image of cyborgs (part machine, part human) and is interested in the way that technology can provide a way for women to become more empowered, through changing their identities rather than conforming to patriarchal ideals - e.g Avatars on Xbox. Image of a cyborg - women in the 1980s were increasingly involved in sci-fi genres of these. This is applied to current use of popular culture e.g. Avatars on Xbox, SecondLife, Cybercity. Women can create more empowered and physically stronger versions of themselves, technology used to created empowering image, developed by women.

Question 2

Nakuamura

Answer 2

Studied the way in which the digital global world is being used increasingly more by women from a range of different ethnic and class backgrounds. Social media and digital communication can be used by women as a forum for support when they face discrimination and inequality (E.g. Everyday Sexism Project, MeToo Movement, HeforShe.)

Question 3

Cochrane

Answer 3

Examines the range of ways in which women have used digital communication in order to challenge patriarchal and sexist attitudes, she notes the following campaigns: The Girl Guides - fight for equality, introduced campaigning and activism badges. Mumsnet.com - 59% of users considered themselves as feminists, double those who did not. Larasi - started a campaign to address racist and sexist attitudes in music videos and students campaigned for the banning of the song ‘Blurred Lines’ from being played in University campuses.