Digital Frontiers in Gender and Security: Bringing Critical Perspectives Online

This book explores how gender can be mainstreamed into discourse about technology and security, focusing on big data, communications technology, social media, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance. It examines potential avenues for resistance to gender-based violence, including the actions of major tech companies, surveillance by repressive governments, and attempts to use the Global South as a laboratory for new interventions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This book delves into the digital frontiers of feminist international relations, seeking to integrate gender into discussions about technology and security. By examining various aspects such as big data, communications technology, social media, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance, it explores how technology can perpetuate gender-based violence. Moreover, it critically assesses potential resistance strategies against these forms of violence, particularly focusing on the actions of major tech companies, surveillance by repressive governments, and attempts to exploit the Global South as a testing ground for new interventions. The book offers valuable insights that will be of great interest to scholars in international relations, security studies, and feminist security studies.

Big data, communications technology, social media, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance are just a few of the digital domains that this book explores in its examination of the intersection of gender and international relations. By focusing on these areas, the book seeks to understand how technology can both perpetuate and challenge gender-based violence.

One of the key themes that the book explores is the role of major tech companies in perpetuating gender-based violence. The book argues that these companies often fail to prioritize the safety and well-being of their users, particularly women and marginalized communities. Instead, they prioritize profits and growth, which can lead to the exploitation and abuse of users.

The book also examines the ways in which surveillance by repressive governments can exacerbate gender-based violence. Repressive governments use technology to monitor and control their citizens, often targeting women and marginalized communities for surveillance and repression. This can lead to a sense of fear and insecurity, which can further perpetuate gender-based violence.

However, the book also highlights potential avenues for resistance against these forms of violence. One of these is the use of decentralized finance and cryptocurrency, which offer new ways for individuals and communities to manage their finances and transactions without relying on traditional financial institutions. This can provide greater financial independence and security, particularly for women and marginalized communities who are often excluded from traditional financial systems.

Another avenue for resistance is the use of social media and other digital platforms to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to mobilize support for survivors. Social media has been instrumental in organizing protests and rallies against gender-based violence, and it can also provide a space for survivors to share their stories and receive support from others.

The book also explores the ways in which gender can be mainstreamed into discourse about technology and security. The book argues that gender should be considered a critical factor in the development and deployment of technology, and that it should be integrated into policies and practices related to technology and security. This can include the development of gender-sensitive technologies, the promotion of gender equality in the tech industry, and the inclusion of gender perspectives in security policies and practices.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the digital frontiers of feminist international relations. By exploring the ways in which technology can perpetuate and challenge gender-based violence, the book provides valuable insights into the potential for resistance and the need for gender mainstreaming in discourse about technology and security. The book will be of great interest to scholars and practitioners in international relations, security studies, and feminist security studies.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529226270