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The Gender Gap in Technical Communication: How Women Challenge the Predominant Objectivist Paradigm

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Date Issued:
2012
Abstract/Description:
Women are currently underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The purpose of this thesis is to explore how this underrepresentation translates to a gender gap in the field of technical communication and how this gap causes women to challenge the predominant objectivist paradigm in the field. Through an investigation of peer-reviewed journal articles, periodicals, critical theory, and articles published in online magazines such as Slate, I identify the gendered nature of modern technology and discuss to what extent a shift in the predominant paradigm has occurred in the professional arena. In looking at several theoretical approaches and contemporary examples, I conclude that a significant paradigm shift has not in fact occurred due to an underlying, culturally promoted sexism. Additionally, I conclude that neither new approaches in the technical communication classroom, nor attempts to increasingly include women in the technological fields will result in a significant paradigm change by themselves. I also point to a need for further meaningful research in how sexism influences the professional world as well as a more thorough conversation regarding a fundamental shift in workplace relations between the genders.
Title: The Gender Gap in Technical Communication: How Women Challenge the Predominant Objectivist Paradigm.
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Name(s): Bower, Nathan, Author
Jones, Daniel, Committee Chair
Jones, Anna, Committee Member
Flammia, Madelyn, Committee Member
, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2012
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Women are currently underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The purpose of this thesis is to explore how this underrepresentation translates to a gender gap in the field of technical communication and how this gap causes women to challenge the predominant objectivist paradigm in the field. Through an investigation of peer-reviewed journal articles, periodicals, critical theory, and articles published in online magazines such as Slate, I identify the gendered nature of modern technology and discuss to what extent a shift in the predominant paradigm has occurred in the professional arena. In looking at several theoretical approaches and contemporary examples, I conclude that a significant paradigm shift has not in fact occurred due to an underlying, culturally promoted sexism. Additionally, I conclude that neither new approaches in the technical communication classroom, nor attempts to increasingly include women in the technological fields will result in a significant paradigm change by themselves. I also point to a need for further meaningful research in how sexism influences the professional world as well as a more thorough conversation regarding a fundamental shift in workplace relations between the genders.
Identifier: CFE0004523 (IID), ucf:52878 (fedora)
Note(s): 2012-12-01
M.A.
Arts and Humanities, English
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Communication of technical information -- Women -- Technical writing -- Communication & technology -- Gender role in the work environment -- Sexism -- Communication & gender -- Technology & women
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004523
Restrictions on Access: campus 2017-12-15
Host Institution: UCF

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