Citizen Jane : exploring the relationship between gender and cellular phones in societies of control

In this thesis, I argue that the mutually productive relationship between women (as gendered subjects) and cellular phone technology is one of control. Women use cellular phones to organize, manage and otherwise control the multiplicity of tasks required of them on a daily basis. At the same time, through using cell phones, women participate in regimes of control including surveillance and persistent connection. I explore this relationship at the level of everyday practice, and conclude by speculating about this relationship at a wider level of social control and organization. This argument emerges from the critical approach suggested by Slack and Wise (2005), who argue that technology and culture are inseparable. They provide articulations and assemblages as tools of analysis. I situate this analysis more broadly within Foucault's (1991) work on govemmentality, in its modem form of societies of control (Deleuze, 1995b).

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Social Justice and Equity Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Faculty of Social Sciences

Department dc:contributor.department

Social Justice and Equity Studies Program

Grantor

Brock University

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Maguire, Heather Fiona.

• Cellular telephones
• Technology and women

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10464/1210

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/1210