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Do Gender Differences in Perceived Prototypical Computer Scientists and Engineers Contribute to Gender Gaps in
Joyce Ehrlinger1, E Ashby Plant2, Marissa K Hartwig1
11Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163 USA.
Sex Roles
|January 26, 2018
Summary
Women perceive computer science and engineering prototypes more stereotypically than men, which explains their lower interest in these fields. Addressing these perceptions can help close the gender gap.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- STEM Education
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Women remain significantly underrepresented in computer science and engineering (CS&E) fields.
- Stereotypes associated with CS&E professions may influence career choices and participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if women perceive intellectual characteristics of CS&E prototypes more stereotypically than men.
- To examine the relationship between prototype perception, self-similarity, and interest in CS&E fields.
Main Methods:
- 269 U.S. college students (69.5% women) described prototypical computer scientists and engineers.
- Participants rated prototypes and themselves on traits, self-similarity, and likelihood of pursuing CS&E courses/careers.
Main Results:
- Women provided more stereotype-consistent ratings of intellectual traits for CS&E prototypes compared to men.
- Women reported lower self-similarity to these prototypes than men did.
- Perceived differences in prototype similarity mediated women's lower interest in CS&E.
Conclusions:
- Stereotypical perceptions of CS&E prototypes contribute to the gender gap in these fields.
- Interventions targeting prototype perceptions may increase women's representation in computer science and engineering.
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