The first day I entered my family history class, I was surprised that half of my classmates were women. I had to remind myself that most classes are this way. As a computer science major I have become accustomed to classrooms dominated by men. Why are there so few women studying computer science? The rise of video games seems to be a contributing factor. As women try to enter the field, they find themselves surrounded by game-crazed men. Is this appealing? A recent survey conducted at my apartment complex showed that women rank video games as a highly unattractive trait in men, just below bow hunting and hatchet juggling. Is it any wonder that women aren’t flocking to tech companies? I am fascinated by computer science, but if my classrooms were filled with cat-crazed grandmothers, I would leave in search of better company.
Part of the problem, I think, is that a lot of computer scientists value the rather masculine culture we've built around the discipline, while in the same breath wishing more women would join up. I know I rather enjoy the fact that I'm able to make Portal jokes at work, and I can expect to be understood by about half my co-workers. But I also agree we need more women in programming. Are we going to just have to choose one or the other?
ReplyDeleteProbably not :)
DeleteA Portal joke isn't necessarily going to exclude women. There's a huge difference in making a gaming joke and making a joke that's actively trying to exclude women.
I say keep bonding about common interests. Just make sure you try to find common interests with everyone on the team. I guarantee the connections are there and that's it's possible to create a culture where everyone can take part.