The Gender Blind Spot: Reflections on the German Discourse on Gender, Work, and Digitalization—Work 4.0

Abstract

Everybody has been talking about the technological change around the increasing digitalization. This is associated with and discussed in terms of far-reaching changes that affect all areas of society from the economy, politics, and education, to state administration, as well as social interactions in private life. Many discussions focus on the effects on work. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic makes evident the necessity of reflection on former discussions. The paper traces the German discourse on the shift in the professional world with a focus on gender and explores the question of whether potential digitalization can bring more gender equality, and if so, which areas of digitalization are most relevant. The relevant questions and problem situations concerning digitalization and gender are to be explored based on past discourses, which were conducted in consideration of gender relations in the historical context of “Industry 2.0” and “3.0,” and which influenced the social distribution issues between the sexes in the German context. Against this background, the current, strongly technology-centered discourse on “Industry 4.0” is critically examined. To what extent are existing gender-role stereotypes for men and women broken down and considered in contemporary debates? Where do new or already known aspects and dimensions with relevance to gender relations emerge? In this context, it will be analyzed how gender issues are negotiated in prevailing discussions and how the question of gender equity adds value to the discourse on justice issues in general within a “Society 4.0” perspective. The current consequences of COVID-19 on society and gender equity in many areas demonstrate the urgency.