Why so few women enroll in computing? Gender and ethnic differences in students' perception

Abstract

Women are seriously under-represented in computer science and computer engineering (CS/CE) education and, thus, in the information technology (IT) workforce in the USA. This is a grim situation for both the women whose potential remains unutilized and the US society which is dependent on IT. This article examines the reasons behind low enrollment of women in CS/CE education at institutions of higher education. It is based on 150 in-depth interviews of female and male undergraduate students majoring in CS/CE, members of five major ethnic groups (White, Afro-American, Hispanic, Asian American and Native American) from seven Minority-Serving Institutions in the USA. The article finds bias in early socialization and anxiety toward technology as two main factors responsible for the under-representation of women in CS/CE education. It further shows significant gender and ethnic differences in students' responses on why so few women enroll in CS/CE.

Keywords:

• gender gap
• gender socialization
• math anxiety
• minority-serving institutions

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (0305898, 0650410). The authors thank Heiko Hahn for data analysis, Deepak Kapur for providing a computer science perspective, and all students for giving their valuable time.