Where are All the Women in Web Development?

Error message

  • Deprecated function: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in menu_set_active_trail() (line 2405 of /home1/markspap/public_html/kathy/includes/menu.inc).
  • Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /home1/markspap/public_html/kathy/includes/common.inc).
May 25, 2015
Existence & Stuff

So, lately I’ve been hearing a lot about the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, including my own field of web development. Over the last few years it’s become something of a hot topic.  When the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology predicts a shortfall of 1 million STEM workers over the next decade, people tend to talk.

Why should women want to work in STEM fields?  That’s easy.  As the Department of Commerce pointed out, “women earn on average 33 percent more when they work in these high-growth fields.” (Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation [August 2011].)

So, duh. Who wouldn’t want to earn more money? Need more incentive to follow your interest in, say, computers?  Forget about e-Harmony.  If you're a young woman looking to meet guys, sign up for a CS class. Seriously.  

With the economy as rough as it is, you’d think women would be flocking to majors in technology and computer science, including web development. Yet the data shows women aren’t entering those fields in college. A recent study by the AAUW revealed that, though "as many girls as boys leave high school prepared to pursue science and engineering majors in college...By [college] graduation, men outnumber women in nearly every science and engineering field”—in some fields, women make up less than 20% of graduates.  In fact, in 2008-09 a mere "31.0% of the degrees in STEM fields were earned by women" (Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

What the heck is going on? We know it’s not a lack of smarts. Girls do as well as boys in these subjects right up through high school.  I doubt that girls reach 18 and suddenly don’t care about making a decent living.  So what discourages these otherwise capable young women from pursuing the math, science and technology studies they were so good at in high school?

A 2012 Yale study published by the National Academy of Scienes may shed some light.  In their study, the researchers proved "that physicists, chemists and biologists are likely to view a young male scientist more favorably than a woman with the same qualifications. Presented with identical summaries of the accomplishments of two imaginary applicants, professors at six major research institutions were significantly more willing to offer the man a job. If they did hire the woman, they set her salary, on average, nearly $4,000 lower than the man’s. Surprisingly, female scientists were as biased as their male counterparts" (Science faculty’s subtle gender biases favor male students).

Is there gender bias against women in the fields of science, math, engineering and technology?  Studies say yes.  The research indicates that men and women in web development and other tech fields look less favorably on females.   Most women in our industry would agree.  It’s not easy being in the minority, and women can find it dificult to be accepted in the traditionally machismo world of development.

No one likes to think of themselves as biased.  We need to believe we are good and fair people...which is why denial often comes into play at this point.  But the best way to meet statistics like these is acceptance--accept the fact that we're all a little prejudiced, shake your head at the innumerable follies of humankind, then vow to do do better and move on.

In a recent survey of women in technology, the majority of them cited a supportive mentor and opportunities to learn as major factors in their choosing and sticking with a career in development.  In other words, helping a young woman learn to code might just make her want to go into and stay in web development.  Helping each other doesn't seem like a big price to pay now, does it?

Similar Notes

Women in Web Design
Why Aren't Women More Prominent on the Web?
Gender Diversity & Why Men Should Stay Out of the Discussion

Comments

Noted by pharmacies in c... on November 13, 2024

Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity on your post is simply spectacular and i could think you're knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thanks one million and please keep up the gratifying work.

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 13, 2024

You can certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren't afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

Noted by NathinfaIsa on November 13, 2024

Nicely put. Many thanks. dissertation abstract write my college paper college essay writer for pay dissertation funding write my essays how to make dissertation

Noted by canada pharmace... on November 13, 2024

It is the best time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have learn this submit and if I may I wish to recommend you some interesting issues or tips. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles referring to this article. I want to learn more things approximately it

Noted by list of canadia... on November 13, 2024

When I originally commented I clicked the Notify me when new comments are added checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks

Noted by BertonGlups on November 13, 2024

You actually suggested this very well yak casino online ignition casino poker backgammon online casino spin247 online casino best tennessee online casinos mr spin online casino

Noted by canada online p... on November 13, 2024

hello!,I like your writing very much! percentage we be in contact more approximately your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this house to unravel my problem. Maybe that's you! Having a look forward to see you.

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 13, 2024

Greetings Very useful advice in this particular article It is the little changes that make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing

Noted by NathinfaIsa on November 14, 2024

You explained that wonderfully. writing a dissertation proposal review my essay how to write a essay for a scholarship how to write a research essay phd dissertation us essay writing service

Noted by best online int... on November 14, 2024

Hey very cool website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I'll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally? I am glad to search out a lot of helpful info right here within the publish, we want work out extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 14, 2024

Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in reality used to be a leisure account it. Look complicated to far brought agreeable from you! However, how can we keep up a correspondence?

Noted by Isaacgipse on November 14, 2024

Для создания индивидуального тарифа на виртуальный выделенный сервер в России можно воспользоваться онлайн-калькулятором на сайте, или обратиться в службу <a href="https://optima-k.ru/">сервер облачный</a>

Noted by Davidroush on November 14, 2024

Когда речь идет о комфортной организации пространства, на помощь приходят инновационные подходы. Элементы, которые можно комбинировать и адаптировать, открывают множество возможностей для создания идеального хранилища <a href="http://punik.ru/index.php?title=%20%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BA%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%...готовые гардеробные системы недорого купить</a>

Noted by ThomasWax on November 14, 2024

Разнообразие предложений на рынке позволяет легко подобрать удобные варианты для хранения личных вещей. Предметы могут быть адаптированы под любые размеры и потребности, что делает процесс организации не только полезным, но и приятным <a href="http://beer.waltermourao.com.br/index.php?title=%20%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BA%20...гардеробная система хранения в прихожую</a>

Noted by BertonGlups on November 14, 2024

Fine tips. Regards. caxino online casino best real money gambling apps online casino slots free spins topless casino online casino online video poker casino royale book online

Noted by best canadian o... on November 14, 2024

I'm really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A couple of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any advice to help fix this problem?

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 14, 2024

I was curious if you ever considered changing the layout of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 14, 2024

Woah! I'm really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times it's challenging to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you've done a very good job with this. In addition, the blog loads super fast for me on Safari. Superb Blog!

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 14, 2024

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I've really loved surfing around your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing for your rss feed and I'm hoping you write again soon!

Noted by discount canadi... on November 14, 2024

This paragraph is truly a good one it helps new internet people who are wishing for blogging.

Noted by BertonGlups on November 14, 2024

You mentioned that terrifically betcave online casino casino arizona online slots online casino and betting juegos de casino online mexico live dealer online casino online casino pa real money

Noted by canada pharmace... on November 14, 2024

What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different customers like its aided me. Good job.

Noted by canadian drugs ... on November 14, 2024

It's an amazing paragraph in favor of all the online users; they will get advantage from it I am sure.

Noted by NathinfaIsa on November 14, 2024

Many thanks I like this. music for writing essays types of essays in college essay writing guidelines dissertation formatting movie review essay dissertation defense advice

Noted by canadian drugs ... on November 14, 2024

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 14, 2024

If you would like to obtain a great deal from this piece of writing then you have to apply these methods to your won website.

Noted by canada pharmace... on November 14, 2024

Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

Noted by BertonGlups on November 14, 2024

With thanks Terrific information. thai casino online play omaha poker online baywatch online casino how to choose the best online casino best online casino for roulette best free online casino bonuses

Noted by canada pharmace... on November 14, 2024

What's up, yes this article is in fact fastidious and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.

Noted by canadian pharma... on November 14, 2024

My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You cannt imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info Thanks

Pages

Add new comment