Viewpoint: Why women avoid computer science

Reviewer: David E. Ross

In this commentary, De Palma includes both academia and industry in his definition of computer science, writing from personal observations and speculation, and not from any formal research into differences between men and women in making career choices. After concluding that women are underrepresented among computer professionals, he offers five recommendations for making computer science more attractive to women. As a practicing computer professional for almost 40 years, I find De Palma’s premise questionable. I have worked with, supervised, and been supervised by a number of female computer professionals. While women may indeed be underrepresented in the profession, I do not think this is a result of avoidance. Like De Palma, I too will speculate: sexist attitudes among instructors and managers have a much greater role in discouraging women from computer careers (and other technical careers) than any conscious avoidance by women themselves. When he asserts that computer science is taught in a manner that conflicts with the female psyche, an assertion that he then uses to support his corrective suggestions, De Palma is sexist. Women are as attracted to gadgets and tinkering as are men. The corrective suggestions themselves are also questionable. At least three of the five would have women refrain from learning those computer skills that would make them employable in industry, such as word processing, the latest languages, installing software, and Linux. Most of the skills that I highlighted on my resume when I applied for my current employment—skills that resulted in a salary offer greater than I requested—would be missing. Online Computing Reviews Service