Abstract
This paper contains an outline activity theory concept of objectification, appropriation, and meaning/purpose. These concepts may fruitfully be applied in research on the construction of power relations including the gender hierarchy in the development and use of computer applications. I will present as an illustration a collection of tentative research questions regarding the development and use of groupware within a networked organization. These research questions might turn out to be inappropriate when confronted with the subjective experiences and interests of the developers, users, and researchers involved.
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Keywords
- Power Structure
- Network Organization
- Computer Support Cooperative Work
- Gender Hierarchy
- Critical Psychology
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Törpel, B. (2000). Do Computers Transform People into Women and Men?. In: Balka, E., Smith, R. (eds) Women, Work and Computerization. IFIP — The International Federation for Information Processing, vol 44. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35509-2_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35509-2_3
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