Herrmann, A. F. (2007). “People get emotional about their money”: Performing masculinity in a financial discussion board. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(2), article 12.
Abstract
Computer mediated communication (CMC) continues as a site for communication scholars examining community and identity in online interactions. This article is an investigation into the discursive practices of company stockholders in one financial cyberspace, the Berkshire Hathaway Board on The Commodity Stand1 website.
After a review of research on gender and investing in CMC and the history of the site chosen for examination, I analyze how members of the site create and maintain identity and community through their discursive performances, with particular emphasis on aspects of gendered practices. This investigation found participants performed roles as admirers, intelligent investors, and mentors. The discursive practices are reified and gendered masculine. Feminine forms of talk were subjugated overtly and through the homogeneity of the masculine form. Limitations and future possibilities for research are explored.
Available at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117979315/abstract