Ctrl-Alt-Del the Gender Gap in Computer Science:
“Women belong in the kitchen”, an outdated, stereotypical characterization that women are only meant to tend to housework and cook for men. As society progresses, this idea is unfortunately still fueled by paying women lower wages and discouraging them from taking on jobs deemed as “too difficult” or “meant for males”. Computer science is unfortunately one of these such jobs that women are weeded out of rather than being invited in. Generally speaking, computer science is a field that includes the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. This vast study area has various specializations including, most notably, theory, algorithms and programming languages. One of the most prominent areas of computer science is programming, giving the computer machine readable instructions in order to perform tasks such as storing data in businesses, creating games, websites and much more. As the 21st century technology evolves, society must evolve as well: by encouraging women to rise up and transform computer science to a more inclusive career. It starts with girls, especially those who are on the fence about exploring computer science due to the overwhelming male presence in any CS related field or activity. By incorporating more computer science programs specifically targeting girls and implementing a quota in the workforce for female to male ratio in various computer science related jobs, the lack of female representation in the computer science field has potential to improve.
As it stands, computer science is a valuable skill in the workforce that yields high wage jobs with interdisciplinary applications in various fields, bridging the gap between creative and analytical thinking. Women are often discriminated against due to various outdated factors, including the thought of being “less than” men. One way of creating outreach to these groups is by starting clubs designed to spark the interests of girls in programming such as Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization that works to encourage girls to explore the field of computer science. Their program, “Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program” works to teach girls various coding skills such as application and website development, as well as teamwork skills used in a typical programming related position (“Camp hopes to close tech-industry gender gap by teaching girls to code: Girls Who Code taught 120 D.C.-area teens to code during a free, seven-week summer program.”). This free of cost camp helps expand the audience, by allowing any student who identifies as female from various income classes to apply. Our country needs more of these types of organizations that will invite girls to explore computer science rather than weed them out of the field. Girls Who Code has made a significant impact on the nation’s statistics of women in computer science. Incorporating a government run program similar to Girls Who Code or funding the program with government spending will encourage these programs to expand and cover wider audiences such as targeting girls in underdeveloped countries who do not have access to computers or even proper learning materials. According to the article, “The growing organization hopes to close this gap, and it has provided coding instruction to more than 10,000 high school girls in camps and afterschool programs nationwide since its founding in 2012” (Stein), showing the positive trend that Girls Who Code has helped to kickstart- an influence that the addition of more clubs and programs similar to this one will promote.
Although there are many groups that support the initiative of bringing more women to computer science, there are many that see it as an unnecessary effort. An Asian Wall Street Journal article states that “while women use computers, men love them” (Bulkeley), suggesting that women simply use computers for the outcome whereas men want to understand how the machines work and are curious about the technology. The article’s premise is based off of the actions of an average couple, Joan and Jim Wright, who exemplify the exact characteristics that the article endorses- female disinterest in technology and male innate curiosity. As the article continues on, it credits genetic differences, stating that social differences such as empathy and emotion are to blame for women’s disinterest in computer science (“Gender May Determine if a Computer Is a Toy or a Tool”). This could improve the gender equality in the field, because, by analyzing the opposition, it can merge new ideas and girls will be more inclined to explore the field and choose it as a possible major or minor. Undergraduate students describe the stereotypes of people in the computer science field that they have, as well as the idea that changing or reforming these ideas can affect women’s preconceived notions about the field (Cheryan). It is well known that “despite the prestige and impact of this field, women remain highly underrepresented in computer science” (Cheryan). It is stated that “women have comprised about 28 percent of computer science bachelor's degree recipients in the last few years, and in the elite confines of research universities, only 17 percent of graduates are women” (Bombardieri), capitalizing on the idea that women are less motivated to pursue this career path due to the stigmatism that comes with it. Men do the same, however, the difference is that men have role models in the computer science field, big names such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, women are almost expunged from the list (Bombardieri). The argument used in the article, however, is extremely fallible, for example, the story of one American couple is stretched to apply to all men and women, a completely illogical approach. Additionally, it uses unsupported facts, claiming to be scientifically verified, to support the flawed statements, such as the fact that there is a “computer gene”. All in all, introducing women to computer science and showing them that it is an inclusive field can dispel various preset stereotypes and expectations and rebuild the way women are perceived.
Public schools are in need of outreach clubs in order to reach out to more girls and teach this valuable skill to use throughout their school career and beyond, as well as workplaces a quota stating a given male to female ratio they must follow. Although these ideas have its challenges in terms of those who do not believe women are capable to find a passion in computer science, it is disproved by the many women who do, but our discouraged after showing interest due to society’s stereotypes. These individuals will see the positive impact that including and encouraging women to pursue computer science brings, bringing about more change and willingness to succeed. A woman's place is wherever she wants it to be- anything from cooking to coding.
Works Cited
Bombardieri, Marcella. "Cultural Factors Impact Growth of Big Gender Gap in Computer Science." Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, Dec 18, 2005, pp. 1, ProQuest Newsstand, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/463146046?accountid=12902. Apr 18, 2017.
Bulkeley, William M. "Gender may Determine if a Computer is a Toy Or a Tool." Asian Wall Street Journal, Mar 17, 1994, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/315693262?accountid=12902. Apr 18, 2017.
Cheryan, Sapna, et al. "The Stereotypical Computer Scientist: Gendered Media Representations as a Barrier to Inclusion for Women." Sex Roles, vol. 69, no. 1-2, 2013, pp. 58-71, Research Library, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/loginurl=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/1372180199accountid=12902,doi:htp://dx.doi.org.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/10.1007/s11199-013-0296-x. Apr 18, 2017.
Stein, Perry. "Camp Hopes to Close Tech-Industry Gender Gap by Teaching Girls to Code." ProQuest Newsstand, Aug 08, 2016, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/1810244666?accountid=12902. Apr 18, 2017.
“Women belong in the kitchen”, an outdated, stereotypical characterization that women are only meant to tend to housework and cook for men. As society progresses, this idea is unfortunately still fueled by paying women lower wages and discouraging them from taking on jobs deemed as “too difficult” or “meant for males”. Computer science is unfortunately one of these such jobs that women are weeded out of rather than being invited in. Generally speaking, computer science is a field that includes the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. This vast study area has various specializations including, most notably, theory, algorithms and programming languages. One of the most prominent areas of computer science is programming, giving the computer machine readable instructions in order to perform tasks such as storing data in businesses, creating games, websites and much more. As the 21st century technology evolves, society must evolve as well: by encouraging women to rise up and transform computer science to a more inclusive career. It starts with girls, especially those who are on the fence about exploring computer science due to the overwhelming male presence in any CS related field or activity. By incorporating more computer science programs specifically targeting girls and implementing a quota in the workforce for female to male ratio in various computer science related jobs, the lack of female representation in the computer science field has potential to improve.
As it stands, computer science is a valuable skill in the workforce that yields high wage jobs with interdisciplinary applications in various fields, bridging the gap between creative and analytical thinking. Women are often discriminated against due to various outdated factors, including the thought of being “less than” men. One way of creating outreach to these groups is by starting clubs designed to spark the interests of girls in programming such as Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization that works to encourage girls to explore the field of computer science. Their program, “Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program” works to teach girls various coding skills such as application and website development, as well as teamwork skills used in a typical programming related position (“Camp hopes to close tech-industry gender gap by teaching girls to code: Girls Who Code taught 120 D.C.-area teens to code during a free, seven-week summer program.”). This free of cost camp helps expand the audience, by allowing any student who identifies as female from various income classes to apply. Our country needs more of these types of organizations that will invite girls to explore computer science rather than weed them out of the field. Girls Who Code has made a significant impact on the nation’s statistics of women in computer science. Incorporating a government run program similar to Girls Who Code or funding the program with government spending will encourage these programs to expand and cover wider audiences such as targeting girls in underdeveloped countries who do not have access to computers or even proper learning materials. According to the article, “The growing organization hopes to close this gap, and it has provided coding instruction to more than 10,000 high school girls in camps and afterschool programs nationwide since its founding in 2012” (Stein), showing the positive trend that Girls Who Code has helped to kickstart- an influence that the addition of more clubs and programs similar to this one will promote.
Although there are many groups that support the initiative of bringing more women to computer science, there are many that see it as an unnecessary effort. An Asian Wall Street Journal article states that “while women use computers, men love them” (Bulkeley), suggesting that women simply use computers for the outcome whereas men want to understand how the machines work and are curious about the technology. The article’s premise is based off of the actions of an average couple, Joan and Jim Wright, who exemplify the exact characteristics that the article endorses- female disinterest in technology and male innate curiosity. As the article continues on, it credits genetic differences, stating that social differences such as empathy and emotion are to blame for women’s disinterest in computer science (“Gender May Determine if a Computer Is a Toy or a Tool”). This could improve the gender equality in the field, because, by analyzing the opposition, it can merge new ideas and girls will be more inclined to explore the field and choose it as a possible major or minor. Undergraduate students describe the stereotypes of people in the computer science field that they have, as well as the idea that changing or reforming these ideas can affect women’s preconceived notions about the field (Cheryan). It is well known that “despite the prestige and impact of this field, women remain highly underrepresented in computer science” (Cheryan). It is stated that “women have comprised about 28 percent of computer science bachelor's degree recipients in the last few years, and in the elite confines of research universities, only 17 percent of graduates are women” (Bombardieri), capitalizing on the idea that women are less motivated to pursue this career path due to the stigmatism that comes with it. Men do the same, however, the difference is that men have role models in the computer science field, big names such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, women are almost expunged from the list (Bombardieri). The argument used in the article, however, is extremely fallible, for example, the story of one American couple is stretched to apply to all men and women, a completely illogical approach. Additionally, it uses unsupported facts, claiming to be scientifically verified, to support the flawed statements, such as the fact that there is a “computer gene”. All in all, introducing women to computer science and showing them that it is an inclusive field can dispel various preset stereotypes and expectations and rebuild the way women are perceived.
Public schools are in need of outreach clubs in order to reach out to more girls and teach this valuable skill to use throughout their school career and beyond, as well as workplaces a quota stating a given male to female ratio they must follow. Although these ideas have its challenges in terms of those who do not believe women are capable to find a passion in computer science, it is disproved by the many women who do, but our discouraged after showing interest due to society’s stereotypes. These individuals will see the positive impact that including and encouraging women to pursue computer science brings, bringing about more change and willingness to succeed. A woman's place is wherever she wants it to be- anything from cooking to coding.
Works Cited
Bombardieri, Marcella. "Cultural Factors Impact Growth of Big Gender Gap in Computer Science." Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, Dec 18, 2005, pp. 1, ProQuest Newsstand, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/463146046?accountid=12902. Apr 18, 2017.
Bulkeley, William M. "Gender may Determine if a Computer is a Toy Or a Tool." Asian Wall Street Journal, Mar 17, 1994, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/315693262?accountid=12902. Apr 18, 2017.
Cheryan, Sapna, et al. "The Stereotypical Computer Scientist: Gendered Media Representations as a Barrier to Inclusion for Women." Sex Roles, vol. 69, no. 1-2, 2013, pp. 58-71, Research Library, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/loginurl=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/1372180199accountid=12902,doi:htp://dx.doi.org.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/10.1007/s11199-013-0296-x. Apr 18, 2017.
Stein, Perry. "Camp Hopes to Close Tech-Industry Gender Gap by Teaching Girls to Code." ProQuest Newsstand, Aug 08, 2016, http://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2048/docview/1810244666?accountid=12902. Apr 18, 2017.