The Best of Systers Blog New Evidence on Why So Few Women in Computer Science
Laurian Vega
Most of the people in Computer Science are classified as engineers, including myself. And, as engineers, we think that if only we can deconstruct the problem (like we would a broken remote control) that, of course, the answer will become apparent. Isn’t a problem only the sum of its parts?
When it comes to the problem of the lack of women in computing, the problem has been dissected into many different parts: recruitment, retention, gender biases, stereotype threat, simple stereotypes, attrition, biology, and countless others. The problem is that these constructs are just a bit on the fuzzy side in terms of what they mean. For instance, what does it really mean for there to be negative gender stereotypes about women and their ability to do computing? And, how does this affect how women think about their own abilities? Then, how does this translate to them choosing computing and persisting in the field? These are hard questions without simple answers.
Yet, there is hope about what may be causing some of the problems. This recent article covers the research of Susan Silbey’s research into why female students might not want to enter the engineering workplace. In studying women and men at four Massachusetts universities, she found that it isn’t necessarily the fear of work-life-balance that is keeping women away from joining engineering. Instead, Silbey found a key factor was how the women perceived that they would be treated in the workplace.
Just the other day, when someone asked me what I do, I said I’m in computing. They then asked me what it was like to sit in my cube all day. I also know that I’ve been called “little lady” more than once while doing my job. The difference between what is “perceived” and what is real in regards to gender stereotypes looks like it is a critical concern and one that just isn’t affecting those of us who are already in computing. It is stopping those who are interested from ever joining the game. That is some serious negative press.
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:32 am
I, for one, strongly believe women are an untapped and unrecognized source of great human innovation. Women need to realize they have great abilities of innovation that the world needs in all areas and especially in computing and technology. Having said that, one of the comments about gender stereotyping in this article is a bit troubling. The author seems to be saying that gender stereotyping “isn’t affecting those of us who are already in computing”. We know that studies and personal experience show that gender bias is a big problem in technology and computing. We also know because of “stereotype threat” women underrate their own ability and without confidence in your own ability you will not pursue a career. At the same time gender bias creates an unfair disadvantage for women already in computing that I know wares down confidence over time so women are more inclined to leave and studies have shown women are leaving technology jobs at a statistically significant rate. Studies have shown that men are often overrated while women are underrated for equivalent work. These are the hard facts that are being addressed. Therefore, all organizations need to build confidence in technical women, hire more women and stop any conduct that destroys the confidence that women have (e.g. stop behavior like covert exclusion, stop relegating women to ‘female’ roles of note-taker, organizer or manager and recognize and respect the technical achievements of women). All these barriers to women are being addressed and I am sure there will be a bright future for women in computing.
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 am
Great comment. You are right. All of those factors do play a role in problems for the workforce. There appear to be many metaphorical glass ceilings that are in place for women in the computing pipeline. I think this article does a good job of highlighting some of the problems that face young women who are looking at the potential work environment.
All of the things that you mention are issues that are facing women once they get into the work force. Susan Silbey does a good job, additionally, of pointing at why we just cant or wont even make the leap to join.