Perspectives for Inclusive Technology

The omnipresence of technology in contemporary life has generated significant transformations in global society (Wajcman, 2006). These changes not only affect social, political, and economic interactions but are also influenced by them, creating a constant feedback loop. Therefore, it is essential to understand that technologies are sociotechnical products that reflect and perpetuate power relations, especially gender. 

The military origin of the Internet stands out: created by white men, which has contributed to male domination in the technological field (Wajcman, 2006). This gender gap is manifested in the low representation of women in key roles in the technology industry (Castaño, 2008), which leads to negative consequences, such as the underrepresentation of women in the creation and design of technological systems.

Furthermore, male dominance in strategic areas has perpetuated gender stereotypes and biases, excluding the interests and desires of women in areas such as the Internet, software development, and video games. A greater presence of women in technology will require the dismantling of hegemonic masculinity and a change in gender power relations. This implies transforming the nature of technological work to make it more inclusive and equitable, allowing the conciliation of different activities and a fairer distribution of responsibilities. Ultimately, this would contribute to creating a technological environment that is more diverse and responsive to gender perspectives and needs (Wajcman, 2006).

It must be considered that gender biases influence technology's design and marketing, impacting its social makeup (Wacjman, 2008). Also, society and technology are intertwined in a process where users can radically redefine technological meanings. In that sense, it is crucial to recognize that technology is not neutral since ignoring this can lead to harmful uses, such as exploiting Nature and women. In the technological field, women face a digital divide that limits their participation and protagonism, perpetuating gender inequality and discrimination (ECLAC, 2023). Promoting greater female participation in technology and correcting gender biases in algorithms and data sets is essential to achieving more equitable and inclusive technology.

References

1. Castaño, Cecilia (2008): La segunda brecha digital. Madrid: Cátedra.
2. Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL) (2023): La igualdad de género y la autonomía de las mujeres y las niñas en la era digital: aportes de la educación y la transformación digital en América Latina y el Caribe. Santiago de Chile: CEPAL.
3. Wajcman, Judith (2006): El Tecno Feminismo. Madrid: Cátedra.

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