Windows of (in) equality: Gender reflections in Information Technology (IT)

Abstract

The field of Information Technology has historically been considered to be a white male-dominated profession within South Africa. However, the landscape has started to shift with more women entering the field. Our study aimed at exploring ways in which gender is represented and performed in the workplace. Following a qualitative approach, data was collected from six participants through face-to-face, semi-structured  interviews and a combination of content and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings highlight the complex ways in which gender identity is socially constructed and how language and voice plays a critical role in discourses relating to Information Technology. We conclude by arguing that predominant essentialist gender categories continue to reverberate within the Information Technology industry of South Africa even though alternate gendered roles are possible.

Keywords: feminism, gender identity, gender representation, Information Technology, social constructionism