Digital nomadism, gender and racial power relations

Abstract

This study examines the interplay of race and gender in shaping the journeys of Asian female digital nomads who navigate the realms of travel and work simultaneously, through the lens of postcolonial feminism. Through our qualitative exploration, we contend that prevailing discourses constrain understandings of Asian women's lived experiences. While our respondents' narratives align with existing knowledge, our original contribution lies in our nuanced examination of the intersecting power dynamics of gender and race. These women's accounts highlight the pervasive influence of internalized racism, sexualized and racialized hegemonic norms, and the differential treatment of Westerners within digital nomadism. These revelations challenge idealized portrayals of digital nomadism, revealing the racial and gender-based discrimination that these Asian women confront on their journeys.