Navigating sociocultural communication spaces from a gendered perspective: An analysis of the use of new media technologies by Kenyan families

Abstract

New technologies have challenged the established conceptual understanding of time and physical space as we know it and problematized how cultural values and power dynamics between men and women are viewed. This study sought to examine the time–space distanciation and comprehension in the face of increased access to and use of new communication technologies by families in Kenya. The article addresses the following questions: (1) How have new media technologies in Kenya affected individuals’ use of space at the family level? (2) How do women and men navigate through changes in spaces occasioned by the new media technologies? (3) What influence have new media technologies had on gendered power dynamics between men and women in the family set up? A qualitative study was carried out between October 2018 and October 2019 in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. Interviews and observation techniques were employed with a total of 42 purposively sampled participants taking part. Qualitative techniques were used to analyse the data. The study generated a number of findings that formed the basis of key recommendations thereof.