The neutered computer

This chapter aims to test the extent to which technology usage is inherently gendered. Using panel data from the United Kingdom and cross-sectional surveys from other European countries, it shows that although there are a number of differences between men and women in their technology behaviour and attitudes, these are rather superficial. The data indicate that attitudes towardss computers are highly malleable and follow usage of computers at least as much as they cause it. Moreover, the gender differences in attitudes are declining. The most important finding concerns the welfare effects, here measured by the effect of computer attitudes on wages. Positive attitudes towardss computers are associated with higher wages, and this effect is somewhat greater for men than for women. However, the effect of computer skills rather than actual usage or attitudes is about equal by gender, though very slightly greater for women.