Citation

Tan, Jia Yue (2023) Malaysian older women's use of smartphones through intersectionality lens: A case study approach. Masters thesis, Multimedia University.

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Abstract

Malaysia is facing a rapidly ageing society while simultaneously undergoing a digital transformation in the current landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the need for digitalisation among people of all walks of life, including older people as they are one of the most vulnerable groups marginalised from technology adoption. The adoption of online and digital technologies such as smartphones, applications and Internet connectivity has become the only means of staying socially connected. However, the main challenge faced by older users is keeping up with its increasingly advanced and complicated functions. Despite the prevalence of research on older adults and smartphone use, there is scarcity of research exploring older women’s perspectives who are often subjected to stereotypes that create negative perceptions of their ability to use technology. Additionally, previous studies have primarily focused on the Malaysian older community as a homogenous group with the same experiences and challenges in smartphone usage, without considering the diverse backgrounds and situated contexts. The aim of this study was to explore how Malaysian older women use their smartphones in real-life contexts. Three main research objectives were constructed as follows: (1) to explore the experiences and behaviours of older women in using smartphone applications and services, (2) to explore older women’s perceptions on their male counterparts' use of smartphones, and (3) to identify the different elements that influence older women in using smartphones by using the intersectionality approach. Intersectionality aided in recognising the older women’s use of smartphones does not pertain to a singular entity but rather a network of interconnected elements (i.e., age, gender, digital literacy etc.) that were not immediately apparent. The study employed a qualitative case study method, with two participants involved in the pilot stage and seven participants in the actual case study. The participants were aged between 60 to 77 years old. Data were gathered through multiple sources, including semi-structured interviews, mobile walkthroughs, and diary studies to obtain a nuance understanding regarding the participants’ use of smartphones. The verbal data were transcribed, and then coded and categorised with NVivo software to identify key patterns and themes using the thematic approach. Furthermore, a generic intersectionality template was developed to analyse how the participants’ use of smartphones was connected to various forms of elements that interlinked. The findings identify three main themes, which include participants’ empowering experiences, and difficulties and barriers in using and learning smartphones, as well as perceptions of gender differences in smartphone use. The intersectionality approach highlights the participants’ marginalised identities, namely age (old) and gender (women), and these are supported by other dimensions, including supportive environment, mobile culture, socioeconomic status, digital literacy skills, as well as interest and motivation. These elements are interconnected with their needs and usage, which have shaped their motivations and barriers in using smartphones. An intersectionality framework for older women’s smartphone use that integrates the identified elements from the findings was then proposed in this study. This study has contributed to knowledge in the areas of gerontechnology and women’s perspectives, particularly by aiming to foreground older women’s voices and deconstructing some stereotypes regarding their interests and competency in using smartphones. The use of intersectionality is also important for promoting a more inclusive research practice for other scholars when conducting research in similar areas.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Additional Information:	Call No.: HQ1061 .T36 2023
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Older women—Social networks
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ503-1064 The family. Marriage. Home > HQ1060-1064 Aged. Gerontology (Social aspects). Retirement
Divisions:	Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM)
Depositing User:	Ms Nurul Iqtiani Ahmad
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2025 02:28
Last Modified:	06 Oct 2025 02:28
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/14671

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