:: netwoman's blog ::

Technology, social capital and class

Blackberrys are a sign that you are part of the tech-elite:

"From a historical standpoint, BlackBerrys are the modern equivalent of having the most feathers in war bonnets, said anthropologist Michael Murphy of the University of Alabama, who has studied humanity's propensities over the centuries.

"New technology gadgets serve as marks of distinction, much like early beaver hats from America did in Europe," he said. "Prestige hierarchies are established by possession of novel bits of material culture. The more expensive they are, of course, the better. They become markers of social identity."

Article Gizmo glut bothersome to biggest generation
By Bill Hendrick - May 16, 2005


"Men and women are about equal in the "tech-shy" category, but more men own BlackBerrys than women.

Women are much more likely than men to use instant messaging on computers or cell phones. But generally speaking, the older people get, regardless of gender, the more gadgets tick them off, analyst Fetto said.

"It's partly because we're busy," said Mitchell Wade, 45, a Salt Lake City technology expert and co-author of the book "Got Game," which explores why it's easier for people younger than 30 to understand techno-stuff. "We just have less patience and would rather spend two hours reading a good book than a manual. We're in new territory here."

Given that they are expensive, it's not surprising that more men have them then women - if they are part of being top management, then we can count on our fingers the number of women there are - let alone blackberrys.

posted by Netwoman @ 9:17 PM