Saudi Women and Socio‐Digital Technologies: Reconfiguring Identities. Issue 1 (31st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bourdeloie, Hélène; Gentiloni Silveri, Caterina; Houmair, Sara
• Is Part Of: Cyber Orient. Volume 11:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2020-12-31
• Subjects: social media -- identity -- Muslim women -- gender -- Saudi Arabia; Digital media -- Middle East -- Periodicals; Digital media -- Arab countries -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Middle East -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Arab countries -- Periodicals; Middle East -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 306.0956
• DOI: 10.1002/j.cyo2.20171101.0002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1804-3194

Abstract

Abstract: Drawing on research conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this paper explores the specific uses of digital technologies by Saudi women. It shows how these women – whose gender identity is strongly constrained by a host of social and religious norms characterizing Saudi society – make use of digital technologies, and particularly mobile telephones. The various applications available for mobile telephony open up to them a whole range of choices on how to communicate and use photography, thus enabling them to circumvent their assigned gender identity, at least at the margin.