Empowering Female Students through Esports Programs: Insights from a Vocational High School

Abstract

This paper explores gender dynamics within a vocational Esports high school, focusing on the experiences of female students. Utilizing Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and Digital Feminism as theoretical frameworks, the research examines how educational practices, digital cultures, and socio-cultural contexts influence participation and identity formation among female students. Data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis highlight significant disparities in participation and the impact of institutional structures on gender norms. Findings reveal that while competitive Esports environments often perpetuate traditional gender roles, collaborative settings in coding and design facilitate more inclusive interactions and empower female students. The study proposes strategic educational modifications to foster gender equity and suggests that vocational Esports programs can effectively challenge and transform gender norms in educational settings.