CHANGING GENDER ROLES AND THE ROLE OF

TECHNOLOGY IN SHAPING THEM

As a component of human identity, gender characterizes how
individuals view themselves and their lives as men and women.
Additionally, it defines societal borders and limitations in a structural
capacity. Men and women both produce gender disparities, which
are a product of specific historical settings. The changes in gender
roles that exist currently are a result of the shifting social structure.
Education, I believe has been a major factor in the recent expansion
of the feminist movement into the social and professional spheres, as
well as the changing of old ideas about gender roles. Gender roles
have become so rigid that domestic life is nearly unimaginable. Men
are developing their talents as cooks and fashion designers, while
women are pursuing unusual careers like pilots and astronauts.
Moving on further let’s talk about the role of technology in shaping
these gender roles
So, first of all, how do we characterize technology
"How things are commonly done or made" and
“a method of organizing human labor and knowledge"
We can therefore say that technology is dependent on human
choices and since the characteristics of a society play a major role in
the decision of which technologies are to be adopted and which are
not, the same technology may have different effects in different
societies as well as different situations. Both gender relations and
technology have evolved from a process of gradual change. Our
world has drastically changed as a result of technology, impacting
almost every element of our existence. Additionally, it has affected
how we view and anticipate gender norms. The relationship between
technology and gender is complex and quite similar to a coin which
has two sides depicting both positive as well as negative aspects.
1. Positively, technology has given women more chances to
question stereotypes and conventional gender norms. Through
online education and training programs, for instance, women
have been able to enter sectors like technology and engineering
that have historically been dominated by men. Women now
have easier access to networks, resources, and information
which also makes it easier for them to start businesses and
advance in their careers.
2. However, in certain respects, gender stereotypes have also
been strengthened and maintained by technology. For instance,
the media and advertising sectors frequently exploit technology
to perpetuate gender norms by depicting males as aggressive
and dominant and women as passive and submissive.
Additionally, sexist, racist, and nasty remarks directed against
female users are a common issue in the form of online
harassment and discrimination against women and girls.
3. Additionally, because women in computer industries frequently
receive lower pay than males for performing equivalent work,
the gender pay gap has been expanded by technology. Also,
women's perspectives have been absent from the design and
development of technological products and services.
4. In conclusion, gender norms and stereotypes have been both
challenged and reinforced by technology. It has given women
new chances to question conventional gender norms, but it has
also, in some respects, strengthened gender preconceptions. As
technology develops and becomes more and more integrated
into our daily lives, it is critical to recognize how it affects
gender norms and stereotypes and to take action to combat
prejudice based on gender.