Technology and the future of women: Haven't we met somewhere before?

Abstract

Advanced technology is popularly perceived as a harbinger of progress. However, this essay argues that for women such progress often results in the reinforcement of traditional economic and social roles. The paper examines four technological areas—computers, communications, energy production, and genetic engineering—which will have an enormous impact on women's lives in the next 20 years.

Analyzing the encoding of old values in these new technologies, the author concludes that political control of technological development is imperative for women. Otherwise, women will be condemned, like the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, to run faster and faster to stay in the same place.