Theoretical framework
Social media usage has grown significantly in Qatar in recent years. While social media was initially used for entertainment and social networking, it has now become part of the day-to-day life of millions of Qataris (Wolfsfeld et al., 2013). Women are at the center of this shift in social media usage. Subsequently, social media influences women’s social interactions, business interests, interactions with the government as well as their engagement in civic society movements (Mourtada et al., 2011). Qatari women now use social media for entrepreneurial purposes, political participation, social change, and civic engagement. Against this backdrop, this paper’s hypothesis is that the use of social media enhances Qatari women’s civic engagement, subsequently empowering them both politically and economically.
The theories upon which this paper is based include the feminist theory and McQuail's mass communication theory. The feminist theory delves into the constitution of gender and the inequality exhibited in gender relations (Hooks, 2000). The theory, which was born out of the feminist movement, focuses on the manifestation of gender inequality at home, workplace, in the public sphere, and economy amongst other institutions. It also explores the definition of feminine and masculine practices and the constitution of gender in the context of other social relations. Therefore, the theory will be used to expound on how institutions in Qatar operate using normative gendered assumptions. Likewise, it will be used to explain why these institutions selectively punish or reward various gendered practices.
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Advanced by Denis McQuail, McQuail's mass communication theory explores the importance of mass media and its impact on individuals and the society at large (McQuail, 2010). McQuail argues that mass communication can fuel unity or cause social fragmentation. Thus, the theory reckons that for media to be effective, it has to be socially responsible. On the other hand, McQuail's mass communication theory recognizes the need for an informed public. In this regard, the theory cites that mass media is less likely to affect an informed public. The relationship between the society and media has social-cultural and political implications (McQuail, 2010). Therefore, media freedom and control cannot be overlooked due to their influence on the political processes.
Overall, both the feminist theory and McQuail's mass communication theory apply to the situation in Qatar. The latter is vital in exploring the balance between the need for social media and the limits of its effective use. The former, on the other hand, is useful in understanding how gender inequality is manifested in different institutions and the role of social media in breaking the trend.
References
Hooks, B. (2000). Feminist theory: From margin to center . Pluto Press.
McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail's mass communication theory . Sage publications.
Mourtada, R., Salem, F., Al-Dabbagh, M., & Gargani, G. H. A. L. I. A. (2011). The role of social media in Arab Women's empowerment. Dubai, Dubai School of Government , 1 , 26.
Wolfsfeld, G., Segev, E., & Sheafer, T. (2013). Social media and the Arab Spring: Politics comes first. The International Journal of Press/Politics , 18 (2), 115-137.
