Gender Relations and Technological Change in Asia

Abstract

Gender Relations and Technological Change in AsiaS ocial changes are just as dramatic as economic and technological transformation. Technological change can also facilitate social change, turning patriarchy into 'a contested domain, rather than a sphere of cultural reproduction, leading to fundamental redefinitions of gender relations, family and sexuality' (Castells, 2000: 2-3). In particular, advances in information technologies have the potential to change the organization of work. We will look at the effects of these and earlier technological changes in the areas of gender relations and cultural ceilings. Our major questions are: how are women affecting and have been affected by these wide-ranging technological advances? How do we understand the ongoing contradiction of development policy -being efficient and productive as well as pursuing social and gender equality and sustainable human development?

The Impact of ICTs on Women’s Economic Empowerment

“…Moreover, ICTs help in creating women's leadership, and participation in community and economic development (Anitha & Sundharavadivel, 2012). Most previous research, based mainly on national case studies, has indicated that ICTs increase employability and thus women's empowerment can be advanced (Arun & Arun, 2002;Hafkin & Taggart, 2001;Huyer & Carr, 2002;Islam, 2015;Kelkar & Nathan, 2002;Njelekela & Sanga, 2015;Shirazi, 2012;Suhaida et al, 2013;Umrani & Ghadially, 2003;Wamala, 2012).…”

Iranian Women’s Identity and Cyberspace: Case study of Stealthy Freedom

“…In line with the proven role of digital networks in feminist movements, technology enables women to participate meaningfully for their voice to be heard (Harcourt, 1999). Some researchers have contended that internet has the potential to entirely redefine the traditional gender roles, especially for those women who have limited skills or those who lack the resources to get proper higher education (Kelkar & Nathan, 2002).…”

Women in Indian Information Technology (IT) sector: a Sociological Analysis

“…they take decisions of their own and within limited terms. Kelkar and Nathan (2002) observe that the effects of women"s entry into the IT Sector have augmented their household income enlarging their bargaining power within the households. Besides, larger quantum of work participation rate among the women furthers their social mobility.…”

“…As a result, an ongoing struggle brews in on them to challenge the embedded patriarchal relations and existing structural inequalities. Yet, women do not hesitate to seek constantly to balance work and domestic responsibilities with little help from their men (Kelkar and Nathan 2002;Shanker 2008).…”

“…Castells (1997) points out as to how self-programmable labour 13 , who works on Net, develop a distinct kind of identity 14 of self. Identity of people is increasingly organised not around "what they do" but on the basis of "what they are, or believe they are".…”