85 Copyright © 2014, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 5 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-6166-0.ch005 Mobile Technologies and Gender Rituals ABSTRACT This chapter explores the implications of mobile technologies on gender through the lens of gender ritu- als. While maintaining social order and social roles, rituals also legitimate key category diferences, ideologies, and inequalities. The increasing convergence of media and content in mobile devices, and the blurring of the spaces for work, family, and leisure amidst the landscape of globalization and mo- bility have important implications for the enactment of rituals, and in the performance of gender. The chapter discusses this mutual shaping of gender rituals and mobile technologies through a case study of the Philippines, with some broad implications for other contexts. The study fnds that the personal- ization, mobility, and multitude of applications aforded by mobile devices ofer many opportunities for the exploration of new possibilities for subjectivity that challenge particular gender stereotypes and restrictions while simultaneously afrming particular gender rituals. While exploring the implications of the mobile device on gender in a developing society, the chapter in turn highlights the importance of culturally embedded rituals in shaping and understanding the mobile device’s place in society. INTRODUCTION This chapter explores the implications of mobile communication on gender and culture through the lens of rituals. Although a global technology, the mobile device has been shaped by local socio- cultural adaptations and its pervasive adoption has been accompanied with risk, opportunity, and adaptation. Moreover, with the increasing convergence of media and content facilitated by smartphones, the blurring of the spaces for work, family, and leisure has important implications on gender roles. The analysis of the implication of mobile media on the “maintenance of gender restrictions” or in the “liberation” of people from gender norms, can be understood with reference to specific gender expectations embodied in “ritu- als”. While maintaining social order, rituals also legitimate certain key category differences and inequalities (Couldry, 2003; Ling, 2007). The social implications of mobile technology on gender can be observed in multiple sites and across varied Cheryll Ruth R. Soriano De La Salle University, Philippines