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Gender and technology culture: Points of contact in tech cities

Hardey, Mariann

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Abstract

This article considers several features of tech cities and masculine technology culture, and their impact on the conditions of work and interactions of professionals working within them. It uses interdisciplinary perspectives of gender, technology culture, and professional identity and status to understand work in tech cities. Using focus groups involving 60 women and men across different professional backgrounds at three tech city sites in the UK and USA, the paper examines the extent of change in work roles and status norms in a highly male-dominated sector and physical space. Professional life in tech cities is shaped by ‘points of contact’, characterised by heightened knowledge and awareness of masculine culture that restricts women’s progression. Three such points of contact are identified. As increased scholarly and policy attention is paid to the lack of diversity in tech, this study contributes to a much-needed shift in tech culture. Attitudes and professional identities built around work and social networking in tech cities reveal the importance of professional communities and networks in supporting women to manage rejection and career barriers.

Citation

Hardey, M. (2020). Gender and technology culture: Points of contact in tech cities. Sociological Research Online, 25(1), 101-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/1360780419851137

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 23, 2019
Online Publication Date Jun 3, 2019
Publication Date 2020-03
Deposit Date Apr 23, 2019
Publicly Available Date Apr 24, 2019
Journal Sociological Research Online
Electronic ISSN 1360-7804
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 25
Issue 1
Pages 101-118
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1360780419851137
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1303404

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Copyright Statement
Hardey, Mariann (2020). Gender and technology culture: Points of contact in tech cities. Sociological Research Online 25(1): 101-118. Copyright © The Author(s) 2019. DOI: 10.1177/1360780419851137






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