A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to Haraway, what does the 'cyborg metaphor' imply for gender identity on the internet?

1. Gender identity is amplified

2. Gender becomes less significant

3. Gender is eliminated entirely

4. Gender identity can only be claimed offline

The correct answer is: Gender becomes less significant

The notion of the 'cyborg metaphor' put forth by Donna Haraway suggests that the boundaries of gender identity become less significant within the context of the internet and technology. This reflects the idea that as individuals interact in digital spaces, their gender identities are not strictly bound by traditional norms or classifications. The metaphor highlights the blending of human and machine, implying a more fluid understanding of identity that can escape the constraints of binary gender categories. Online, people can present themselves in varied ways, allowing for the expression of gender beyond conventional definitions. This fluidity challenges the essentialist views of gender, suggesting that our identities can be constructed and reconstructed in diverse forms, hence diminishing the significance of gender in determining one's cyberspace persona. The other options reflect misunderstanding or misinterpretation of Haraway’s argument. Gender identity being amplified or eliminated altogether overlooks the complexities of identity in hybrid forms, while the idea that gender identity can only be claimed offline ignores the very essence of the cyborg metaphor, which emphasizes the evolving interplay between identity and technology. Haraway’s perspective indicates that the digital realm offers a playground for exploring and redefining gender.