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Gendering the digitalized metal industry

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  • Janet Johansson
  • Ildikó Asztalos Morell
  • Eva Lindell

Abstract

With an empirical investigation of the Swedish metal industry, this study explores the gendering of metalwork in the context of digitalization. Adopting Butler’s notions of gender performativity, and taking a broad feminist perspective, our analysis renders the following findings: first, inequality in the workplace between normative masculine and feminine characteristics is still present in the metal industry. The dominant exploitative expectations of masculine physical strength are gradually being replaced by the persistent masculine association with technology. Both men and women contribute to the confirmation and strengthening of this new masculine attribute. Second, women, through the construction of their sense of self as competent digital steelworkers, take on a vital role in re‐formulating the gender script of the digitalized metal industry. By enacting stereotypical feminine aesthetic gestures, using ‘housewifely’ metaphors parodying masculine discourses, and through deliberately connecting feminine attributes with competences and strengths in technology, female operators subvert the ideal image of a metalworker and disrupt the persistent myth of femininity as being incompatible with technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Janet Johansson & Ildikó Asztalos Morell & Eva Lindell, 2020. "Gendering the digitalized metal industry," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 1321-1345, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:27:y:2020:i:6:p:1321-1345
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12489
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Judy Wajcman, 2010. "Feminist theories of technology," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 34(1), pages 143-152, January.
    2. Sorgner, Alina & Bode, Eckhardt & Krieger-Boden, Christiane & Aneja, Urvashi & Coleman, Susan & Mishra, Vidisha & Robb, Alicia M., 2017. "The effects of digitalization on gender equaliy in the G20 economies: Women20 study," Kiel E-Books, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), number 170571.
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