Gender and technology culture: Points of contact in tech cities

Abstract

This article considers several features of tech cities and masculine technology culture, and their impact on the conditions of work and interactions of professionals working within them. It uses interdisciplinary perspectives of gender, technology culture, and professional identity and status to understand work in tech cities. Using focus groups involving 60 women and men across different professional backgrounds at three tech city sites in the UK and USA, the paper examines the extent of change in work roles and status norms in a highly male-dominated sector and physical space. Professional life in tech cities is shaped by ‘points of contact’, characterised by heightened knowledge and awareness of masculine culture that restricts women’s progression. Three such points of contact are identified. As increased scholarly and policy attention is paid to the lack of diversity in tech, this study contributes to a much-needed shift in tech culture. Attitudes and professional identities built around work and social networking in tech cities reveal the importance of professional communities and networks in supporting women to manage rejection and career barriers.