Why are there so few women in computer science and engineering?
Perhaps the very rational and patient work required in programming is the major factor.
Software development requires a particular personality type, one where the thinking side of rationality takes over the feeling side of it. One is not superior to the other, but in a logical endeavor, “Thinker Types” do have a temporary edge. Research seems to validate this, as shown by the study done by U. of North Carolina Researcher Laurie Williams.
Why a temporary advantage? Mostly because Thinking types tend to treat people as tools, and not as feeling human beings. While this can work for a while it tends to create harsh, hard to follow managers. Management to be effective, must have leadership attributes, and that requires a balanced approach to treating people, and Feelers do tend to have an advantage here.
To illustrate this point, it has been argued that Hillary Clinton is an INTJ (A Thinking sub-type) while Obama is an ENFP (a feeler sub-type) and that is part of the reason one of them won, Feelers tend to lead better, they empathize, and see people as more than code or numbers. Therefore they inspire, they lead better.
So yes we do need more women in Computer Science, IT and Engineering but judging by the work force in Canada, I think we are slowly turning the curve here, I do see more women in IT, not that many, but definitely more than before. Why? I leave that question to the readers.
(portrait via sabino)
