Experiencing gender-role reversal online dating game in Taiwan

Abstract

ABSTRACT We live in a culture where gender identity and gender roles can be ruled by the social and cultural beliefs that legitimise gender relations. Thus, there is a need to learn and relearn the potentials/processes for experiencing gender fluidity and forming new gender relations due to the changing nature of technology, new media, and their deep impacts on human life. This study employs Netnography and recruited 40 people to examine how a gender-role reversal online dating game, ‘Raising Men for Fun’ affects Taiwanese ways of (re)constructing/(re)presenting alternative gender identities and developing gender relations in contemporary Taiwanese society. The results highlight that a gender-role reversal online dating game provides an opportunity for its participants to experience gender fluidity in Taiwan. The research suggests that more salient reconstructions or representations of the multiplicity of gender roles in educational programs will help Taiwanese adjust to the anxious process of changing behaviour in society.