Gender, Digital Toxicity, and Political Voice Online

Abstract

Participatory technologies have radically expanded the opportunities for political voice and visibility, a boon for those who have historically been marginalized. While women have been quick to capitalize on these tools, many find that their contributions to public discourse are met with identity-based hate and sexual intimidation. What’s more, offline inequalities among women persist online, impacting whose voices are centered or sidelined as well as the patterns of hostility. Many of sociology’s key concerns—power, inequality, culture, oppression, identity, and resistance—are central to understanding the causes and consequences of digital abuse and harassment, but thus far, few sociologists have contributed to the burgeoning research on these issues. This chapter reviews key findings from the interdisciplinary literature on women’s political voice and visibility in the digital arena, with special attention to the ways identity-based attacks negatively impact women’s participation and the broader information landscape, taking a toll on democratic vitality. The chapter closes by identifying areas where sociological interventions can advance the field.