ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes lessons learned from the case studies, in relation to the empowerment themes of control-context-knowledge and the theoretical foundations set forth in the book’s Introduction. All of the women studied had internal drive that enabled them to engage with technology in the masculine sphere, in some cases based on childhood fascination with technology. Context intersected with control; women who viewed technology mastery as a means of exerting control over their lives were also influenced by cultural contexts, such as the culture of self-reliance in Newfoundland, and the path-breaking work of earlier or contemporary feminists in skilled trades, music production, Egyptian politics, and aviation. Knowledge acquisition was another path to empowerment, and much of the learning discussed in the book occurred informally. Even where rigorous study was required as in aviation or beneficial as in audio engineering, unpredictable situations arose in which judgement and experience played a role. The book’s lessons are summarized as a “paradigm of empowerment” in relation to women and technology. Chapter 6 also offers implications for institutional efforts to encourage female mastery of technology, including the integration of lessons from the field of Women’s and Gender Studies, STS studies, and Adult Education into technical curricula.
