Gender and ICT: School and gender stereotypes

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are intertwined with almost every aspect of our daily lives, they have become central to the way we communicate, work and socialize. ICT are increasingly a structural aspect of societies, however, ICT continue to be a highly gendered area of life in all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and a source of significant social inequality in enduring ways. This paper reports on an ongoing research project ‘Gender@ICT’ which explores the interrelations of gender and technologies in an educational context in Portugal, based on focus groups and group activities (games with images related to ICT and gender) with preschool children and 9th grade students. The results bring evidence that ICT is highly related to gender stereotypes which affect boys and girls representations and practices, including their educational and career choices.