Mother of Invention

1. Gender biases have hindered technological innovation throughout history

We see ourselves in the dominant technology of the day.

Technology reflects societal values. Throughout history, our perception of technology has been shaped by gender biases. From the wheel to artificial intelligence, innovations have often been viewed through a masculine lens, limiting their potential applications and societal impact.

• Examples of gender bias in technology:
  • Suitcases with wheels deemed "unmanly"
  • Electric cars perceived as feminine
  • Computing shifting from female to male-dominated

These biases have not only slowed down technological progress but also reinforced gender stereotypes in various fields. By recognizing and challenging these biases, we can unlock new possibilities for innovation and create more inclusive technologies that benefit all of society.

2. The wheel's journey to suitcases reveals society's gender-based resistance

"You mean with my big strong arms I can't carry a darn little basket like that?"

Masculine pride delayed progress. The wheeled suitcase, invented in 1972 by Bernard Sadow, faced significant resistance due to societal perceptions of masculinity. Despite the obvious practical benefits, many men viewed the innovation as an affront to their strength and capability.

• Factors contributing to resistance:
  • Association of luggage-carrying with male strength
  • Fear of appearing weak or effeminate
  • Marketing primarily targeting women

This resistance illustrates how deeply ingrained gender roles can impede even the most practical innovations. It took changing societal norms and a shift in marketing strategies for the wheeled suitcase to gain widespread acceptance, demonstrating the power of gender perceptions in shaping technological adoption.

3. Electric cars lost to gas partly due to gender perceptions

Having imagined effeminacy into the electric, he dismisses it from his mind and buys a gas car without a struggle.

Gender stereotypes influenced car preferences. In the early 20th century, electric cars were often marketed to women due to their quieter operation and ease of use. This association with femininity contributed to their decline in popularity among male consumers, who preferred the perceived masculinity of gas-powered vehicles.

• Factors contributing to electric car decline:
  • Marketing focused on female consumers
  • Perception of electric cars as less powerful
  • Association with domestic use rather than adventure

The story of electric cars demonstrates how gender perceptions can shape entire industries and technological trajectories. By prioritizing masculine ideals of power and adventure, the automotive industry inadvertently set back the development of more environmentally friendly transportation options for decades.

4. Women's undergarment expertise led to revolutionary space suits

Eleanor Foraker was one of these seamstresses. She had gone from latex diapers to space suits, and years later she described those long nights in the final stages of production.

Unlikely expertise shaped space exploration. The development of the Apollo space suits relied heavily on the skills of seamstresses who had previously worked on women's undergarments. This unexpected connection between "feminine" craftsmanship and cutting-edge space technology challenges our perceptions of gender roles in innovation.

• Key contributions of seamstresses to space suits:
  • Precision sewing techniques
  • Understanding of flexible materials
  • Ability to create complex, multi-layered garments

This example highlights the importance of diverse skills and perspectives in technological advancement. By valuing traditionally feminine expertise, NASA was able to create suits that allowed humans to walk on the moon, demonstrating the potential for innovation when we break down gender barriers.

5. Early computing was female-dominated before becoming male-centric

In the 1950s, IBM in the UK measured assembly costs for its computers in what it called "girl hours."

Gender roles in computing shifted dramatically. Initially, computing was considered "women's work," involving repetitive calculations and data processing. However, as the field gained prestige and higher pay, it became increasingly male-dominated.

• Factors contributing to the shift:
  • Increased complexity and status of computing jobs
  • Higher pay attracting more men to the field
  • Stereotypes about women's technical abilities

This transformation illustrates how societal perceptions of gender can reshape entire industries. The exclusion of women from computing as it became more prestigious has had lasting effects on the tech industry's gender imbalance and the types of technologies developed.

6. The climate crisis is intertwined with gender perceptions and roles

We perceive Mother Nature as a woman. In our patriarchal culture we generally think of her as caring, mysterious, and beautiful, but also frightening and unfathomable.

Environmental issues reflect gender biases. Our approach to the climate crisis is influenced by deeply ingrained perceptions of nature as feminine and technology as masculine. This dichotomy has led to a confrontational approach to environmental problems, prioritizing technological "solutions" over more holistic, sustainable approaches.

• Gendered perceptions in environmental discourse:
  • Nature as passive and to be dominated
  • Technology as active and masculine
  • Sustainable practices often associated with femininity

Recognizing and challenging these gender-based perceptions is crucial for developing effective responses to the climate crisis. By embracing a more balanced approach that values both technological innovation and sustainable practices, we can create more comprehensive and effective environmental solutions.

7. Artificial intelligence development reflects gender biases in society

We wanted to build "human machines," but our definition of "human" was based on a certain type of rational, academic masculinity.

AI perpetuates existing biases. The development of artificial intelligence has been largely shaped by male-dominated tech industries, leading to systems that often reflect and amplify existing gender biases in society.

• Examples of gender bias in AI:
  • Facial recognition systems performing poorly for women and people of color
  • Voice assistants defaulting to female voices in subservient roles
  • Job recommendation algorithms favoring male candidates

These biases in AI systems can have far-reaching consequences, reinforcing gender stereotypes and potentially exacerbating inequalities in various sectors of society. Addressing these issues requires diversifying the teams developing AI and critically examining the data and assumptions underlying these systems.

8. Social media influencers represent a new form of gendered economic power

Glamour labor is what Kim, Kendall, Kylie, Kourtney, and Khloé have demonstrated such outstanding stamina in.

Digital platforms create new economic opportunities. The rise of social media influencers, particularly women like the Kardashian-Jenner family, represents a new form of economic power that blurs the lines between consumption and production.

• Characteristics of influencer economy:
  • Monetization of personal life and image
  • Blending of authenticity and commercialization
  • Leveraging traditionally feminine skills and interests

While this new economy offers opportunities for women to gain financial independence and influence, it also raises questions about the commodification of personal life and the reinforcement of certain gender stereotypes. The influencer phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between gender, technology, and economic power in the digital age.

9. The future of work and automation has significant gender implications

If we are to assume that we are in a second machine age that will upend our labor market, then its effects will be gendered as well. The only question is how.

Automation will impact genders differently. As technology continues to advance, the future of work is likely to be shaped by existing gender roles and stereotypes. Some traditionally female-dominated professions may be more resistant to automation, while male-dominated industries could face greater disruption.

• Potential gendered impacts of automation:
  • Care-oriented jobs (often female-dominated) less likely to be automated
  • Manufacturing and transportation jobs (often male-dominated) at higher risk
  • Emphasis on emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills may benefit women

Understanding these potential impacts is crucial for developing policies and strategies to address the challenges and opportunities presented by automation. By anticipating these gendered effects, we can work towards a more equitable future of work that benefits all members of society.

10. Challenging gender norms is crucial for technological and economic progress

If we include women's tools in the history of technology—as we have seen—its entire meaning changes.

Inclusivity drives innovation. Recognizing and valuing traditionally feminine skills, perspectives, and innovations is essential for driving technological and economic progress. By challenging rigid gender norms, we can unlock new possibilities for innovation and create more inclusive and effective solutions to global challenges.

• Benefits of challenging gender norms in technology:
  • Diverse perspectives lead to more comprehensive problem-solving
  • Valuing a wider range of skills and experiences
  • Creating technologies that serve a broader range of needs

To achieve this, we must actively work to:

1. Increase representation of women in STEM fields
2. Recognize and value traditionally feminine skills in technological development
3. Challenge stereotypes about gender and technology
4. Create inclusive work environments that foster diverse perspectives

By embracing a more inclusive approach to technology and innovation, we can create a future that harnesses the full potential of human creativity and ingenuity, regardless of gender.

Last updated: January 25, 2025