This issue of WIRED magazine focuses on wealth and power in the technology industry, exploring how vast sums of money are shaping our lives. The editorial team dispatched reporters across the globe, from the UAE to Denmark, Washington D.C., and Florida, to investigate who holds this wealth, how they wield it, and what implications it holds for the rest of us. However, a striking pattern emerged during the editorial review process: the individuals at the center of these stories, the ones accumulating and controlling the vast fortunes, were overwhelmingly men.
The dominance of men in positions of wealth and power within the tech industry is a pervasive theme throughout the issue. Bill Gates, a frequent figure atop the world’s richest list, is featured in an upcoming interview. The article highlights the male-dominated landscape of cryptocurrency investors within Trump’s inner circle. Even the aspiring young entrepreneurs, hustling to sell solar panels and achieve millionaire status by 30, are predominantly men. This overwhelming masculinity, evident page after page, underscores the deeply ingrained gender imbalance within the tech world and the broader financial landscape.
The editor acknowledges the disproportionate representation of men in the issue, recognizing it as a failure of editorial foresight. While the stories themselves offer valuable insights into the dynamics of wealth accumulation and the individuals driving these trends, the lack of female representation reflects the stark reality of gender disparities in positions of power and influence. The editor admits that the editorial team should have proactively addressed the gender dynamics of wealth and power earlier in the assignment process, exploring the systemic issues that contribute to this imbalance.
The skewed representation is not just a matter of editorial oversight but reflects the broader societal reality. Statistics reveal that the vast majority of billionaires globally are men, and women remain significantly underrepresented in executive roles within the tech industry. This lack of diversity extends beyond gender, encompassing racial disparities that paint an even more concerning picture. Furthermore, the editor notes the troubling growth of the online “manosphere,” fueled by figures like Trump and Musk, further exacerbating existing inequalities.
The editor expresses a commitment to learning from this experience and promises to address these issues more effectively in future coverage. While the current issue focuses on the men who dominate the tech wealth landscape, the editor acknowledges the aspirations and ambitions of women, signaling a determination to challenge the status quo. The closing statement, “It might be a rich man’s world for now, but trust me, women like money too. And we’re coming to take some of yours,” reflects a resolve to disrupt the existing power dynamics and advocate for greater inclusion and equity.
This issue of WIRED, despite its unintentional focus on male dominance, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent gender disparities in wealth and power. It inadvertently highlights the need for greater awareness, more inclusive reporting, and proactive efforts to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent women from achieving equal representation in the highest echelons of the tech industry and beyond. The editor’s acknowledgment of this oversight and commitment to future change provides a glimmer of hope for more balanced and equitable coverage in the future. The challenge now is to move beyond recognition and actively work towards a future where wealth and power are not so heavily concentrated in the hands of men.
