Computers, Phones and the Internet: Domesticating Information Technology

Ch. 7. The Neutered Computer. Malcolm Brynin

ABSTRACT:

Men are often considered to be more technologically minded than women, and to gain advantage in the labour market from this. However, with the growth of computer technology, this advantage might be declining. The modern PC is not a male technological stronghold. Women use a computer at work as much as men do. It is likely, moreover, that this computer experience has direct effects on attitudes towards computers, thus also reducing the attitudinal differential. A British panel survey and a European survey are used, first, to demonstrate the subservience of attitudes to experience with computers, both cross-sectionally and over time; and, second, to show that the employment advantage of familiarity with computers is at least equal for women and perhaps somewhat in their favour.

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