How can a feminist lens help us understand technology? What can technology teach us about gender? This course explores the mutual shaping of gender and technology using an intersectional feminist approach. We will draw on theories from feminist science and technology studies (STS) to examine contemporary and historical case studies with attention to how race, sexuality, disability, and class impact the relationship between gender and technology. Topics include the history of computing, digital labor and the gig economy, big data and surveillance, bias and algorithms, reproductive technologies, videogames, and social media.
3-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
How can a feminist lens help us understand technology? What can technology teach us about gender? This course explores the mutual shaping of gender and technology using an intersectional feminist approach. We will draw on theories from feminist science and technology studies (STS) to examine contemporary and historical case studies with attention to how race, sexuality, disability, and class impact the relationship between gender and technology. Topics include the history of computing, digital labor and the gig economy, big data and surveillance, bias and algorithms, reproductive technologies, videogames, and social media.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.