Defining Feminism in a Digital Age

In this paper, I embark on a journey exploring the relationship between Feminism, Technology, and the redefining of Feminism as both an abstract concept and as creative real-world action. With the rising of the current wave of feminists (also known as 3rd-wave feminists) coinciding with the beginning and rise of technology such as the Internet (cyberspace) and computers, Feminism has expanded its reach to more people in different areas. This adds more voices needing to be heard, which allows for a broader and deeper understanding of equity, equal rights, and struggles the “ordinary” woman goes through. I propose to look at the literature on the rise of this 3rd-wave of Feminism and how it coincides with the rise of technology, in order to tease out a current dynamic definition of Feminism. I will also briefly look at other sub-sects of the Feminist movement that also seem to rise and coalesce around the rise of technology showing that Feminism is not a monolithic entity. By adding these voices to the definition of Feminism, we increase the issues that women are most concerned about, especially with regards to equality of both race and gender. Finally, I argue that this latest version of Feminism is buoyed by the popularity of technology, divided at times by the privilege of those who have access to the technology and information, and that through technology women are able to subvert the normative social gender roles.