- Technology and society are interrelated and influence each other in various ways.
- Technology can have both positive and negative impacts on society, depending on how it is used, by whom, and for what purpose.
- Technology can also create or exacerbate social issues, such as inequality, discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization.
- One of the social issues that technology can affect is gender and disability.
- Gender and disability are two aspects of social identity that shape people’s experiences, opportunities, and challenges in society.
- Both gender and disability can also intersect with other factors, such as race, class, age, religion, sexuality, etc., to create multiple and complex forms of oppression or privilege.
Gender and disability issues can arise while teaching and using computers in various ways, such as:
- Access : Some people may face barriers to access computers or the internet due to lack of resources, infrastructure, skills, or support. For example, women and girls may have less access to computers than men and boys due to socio-economic factors, cultural norms, or safety concerns. Similarly, people with disabilities may have less access to computers than people without disabilities due to physical, sensory, cognitive, or attitudinal barriers.
- Representation: Some people may face stereotypes or biases in the representation of their gender or disability in computer-related content, media, or communication. For example, women and girls may be underrepresented or misrepresented in computer science education, careers, or role models. Similarly, people with disabilities may be underrepresented or misrepresented in computer-related images, stories, or perspectives.
- Participation : Some people may face discrimination or exclusion in the participation of computer-related activities, such as learning, teaching, creating, or using computers. For example, women and girls may face harassment or hostility in computer science classrooms, online platforms, or workplaces. Similarly, people with disabilities may face inaccessibility or invisibility in computer-related curricula, software, hardware, or services.
- Empowerment: Some people may face challenges or opportunities in the empowerment of their gender or disability through computer-related technologies. For example, women and girls may use computers to challenge gender norms, express their identities, or access information and opportunities. Similarly, people with disabilities may use computers to enhance their abilities, communicate their needs, or advocate for their rights.
Therefore, it is important to address gender and disability issues while teaching and using computers by adopting a gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive approach that respects diversity, promotes equality, and ensures accessibility .
