ABSTRACT
The introduction of information technology in the developing world is markedly changing the pattern of female employment even in a so-called ‘traditional’ industry such as textiles. This essay documents the way such changes have affected the working and domestic lives of blue collar women employees in the textiles industries of Argentina and Brazil since the early 1980s, when computer technology was first incorporated in the sector in these countries. I undertook most of the fieldwork between 1984 and 1986, and supplemented the original findings by further desk and field research in 1992. The initial empirical study was undertaken in collaboration with several colleagues in Argentina and Brazil. In evaluating the effects of technology I took into account the broader social and economic changes, especially those arising out of the opening up of the market to the international economy, and of structural adjustment in both countries.
