Ricerc@Sapienza

The research addresses the problem of gendered digital inequalities, by focusing on sexist (self)stereotypes about ICTs use.
As European and national studies demonstrate, gender is a pivotal factor influencing digital inequalities and significantly varies according to age. The persistence of ICTs-related (self)sexist stereotypes -and, hence, the underlying power relations and normative patterns of social communication- shape the way people approach to ICTs. When ICTs use is conceived as a question of performance, women tend to be (self)stereotyped as unfitting and incompetent users. Conversely, when ICTs use are considered in terms of devices' affordances, women tend to be (self)stereotyped as "social groomers", "net-workers".
In such a scenario, the research explorative main goal is to unveil whether and, eventually, which sexist (self)stereotypes are adopted when both young and older people speak about ICTs, and whether and how their narrative and sense giving strategies differ.
A qualitative methodological design will be adopted to fulfill these research objectives. More specifically, we will conduct at least three focus groups involving (together and separately) young and older users.
Results are expected to increase the state of the art about the topic by providing a more exhaustive map of existing stereotypes, also adopting an inter-generational perspective. On the other hand, through a tailor-made communication and dissemination strategy, results may also pin some useful guidelines for stakeholders and institutions.