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

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?

Comments

I am curious to find out what blog system you are working with? I'm having some small security issues with my latest website and I would like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?

Marianne Tierno from Laredo was seeking nature of god coursework
Peggi Pryzgoda located the reply to a search question nature of god coursework
og calligaris div thesis
dissertation francaise introduction

<a href=https://topswritingservices.com/>writing help</a>
<a href=https://writeadissertation.com/>buy essays online</a>
<a href=https://custompaperwritingservices.com/>top paper writing services</a>

<a href=https://idealbeauty.kz/news/aleksandr-coy-tehnika-zhenskih-strizhek-mash... english coursework ideas</a> c09ca0c

Erma Maruffo from Rancho Cucamonga was trying to find fahrenheit 451 thesis topics
Tamarah Danas discovered the solution to a search question fahrenheit 451 thesis topics
how to write coursework on resume
definition of thesis wikipedia

<a href=https://writeadissertation.com/>dissertation writing uk</a>
<a href=https://custompaperwritingservices.com/>essay buy</a>
<a href=https://writingpaperforme.com/>essays writing service</a>

<a href=http://wbbet88.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1865&pid=994821&page=103... marketing dissertation topics</a> 9ca0c49

Kalli Arrow from Bel Air was trying to find argumentative essay thesis generator phoenix
Dyna Philmon came across the answer to a search query argumentative essay thesis generator phoenix
proofreading service thesis
ocr physics b a2 coursework ideas
sample of baby thesis in english
dissertation surrey university

<a href=https://writeadissertation.com/>essay buy</a>
<a href=https://essayservicehelp.com/>custom papers</a>

<a href=https://battletech-mercenaries.com/merc-net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5932&p=4... thesis statement</a> e9c09ca

Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Opera. I'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I'd post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Cheers

Margy Medbery from Barnstable was in search of dissertation business questions
Aurelie Giuffrida located the reply to a search question dissertation business questions
c.v. writing services edinburgh
thesis for evolution vs creationism
geography rivers coursework
thesis coming unstrung

<a href=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/>i can t do my homework</a>
<a href=https://topswritingservices.com/>essay writings</a>

<a href=https://trip.huayatai.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=8354&pid=16351&pa... other than a g qil</a> 7b4ae9c

Shawna Hotovec from New Bedford was on the hunt for google writers needed
Augustina Burczyk discovered the solution to a search question google writers needed
how to become a good essay writer
username and password for coursework.info
pro gun control thesis statement
what thesis writing

<a href=https://custompaperwritingservices.com/>college paper writing service reviews</a>
<a href=https://topswritingservices.com/>buy an essay online</a>
<a href=https://writingpaperforme.com/>essay writing service</a>

<a href=https://forum.mbprinteddroids.com/showthread.php?tid=609&pid=7341#pid734... computing dissertations</a> 09ca0c4

Shea Sheffey from Merced was searching for resume writing services massachusetts
Orelie Mcclymonds came across the answer to a search query resume writing services massachusetts
ocr coursework mark scheme english
publishing your dissertation uw madison
dissertation defense speech examples

<a href=https://domycollegehomeworkforme.com/>coursework website</a>
<a href=https://topswritingservices.com/>term paper writing services</a>
<a href=https://custompaperwritingservices.com/>college essay</a>

<a href=https://thecardboard.org/boardnew/showthread.php?tid=17050&pid=235605#pi... dissertation binding</a> e9c09ca

Genevra Carlucci from Eugene was trying to find sociology thesis topics in pakistan
Ursala Salquero uncovered the response to an inquiry sociology thesis topics in pakistan
delayed thesis arguments
the life you save may be your own thesis
dissertation hartmut faust

<a href=https://argumentativethesis.com/>psychology thesis</a>
<a href=https://helpwithdissertationwriting.com/>college essays</a>
<a href=https://domycollegehomeworkforme.com/>do my homework</a>

<a href=https://hawkinsmotorcoach.com/forums/thread-20035.html>history dissertations database</a> c09ca0c

It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it's time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

I was pretty pleased to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read I definitely really liked every little bit of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new information on your blog.

Cordelie Casar from Richmond County was trying to find foreign literature thesis sample
Bekki Currier came across the answer to a search query foreign literature thesis sample
applied ict coursework level
bachelor's degree thesis

<a href=https://theessayswriters.com/>writing paper</a>
<a href=https://payforanessaysonline.com/>essays writing service</a>
<a href=https://topswritingservices.com/>write papers</a>

<a href=http://fukuta-shuujiatyourservice.com/sunbbs/sunbbs.cgi?mode=form&no=907... against homeschooling</a> 9c326d6

Rosaline Houf from Punta Gorda was seeking thesis theme font
Cosetta Rerko came across the answer to a search query thesis theme font
what is a literature review in a dissertation proposal
thesis statment for the salem witch trials

<a href=https://custompaperwritingservices.com/>paper writing services</a>
<a href=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/>pay someone to do my homework</a>

<a href=http://nituv-eng.com/forum/forum/phorum2.php>quantitative dissertation in nutrition</a> e9c09ca

Devonne Beyerl from Arlington was on the hunt for rwandan genocide research paper thesis
Sydney Irelan came across the answer to a search query rwandan genocide research paper thesis
price for editing a dissertation
poor customer service essays
utopia font thesis
thesis essay outline template

<a href=https://theessayswriters.com/>a writer should revise an argumentative essay for ideas and</a>
<a href=https://argumentativethesis.com/>thesis proposal writing service</a>

<a href=https://forum.mubeta.com.br/thread-19770.html>papers writing help</a> 66955_8

Its remarkable to visit this web page and reading the views of all mates regarding this piece of writing while I am also eager of getting know-how.

This article offers clear idea in favor of the new visitors of blogging, that genuinely how to do blogging.

I will immediately snatch your rss as I can't in finding your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me realize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

Amity Wolfard from Erie was in search of thesis related to teaching strategies
Jerrylee Klacic came across the answer to a search query thesis related to teaching strategies
thesis for research paper on organ donation
coase invariance thesis
what is a thesis in a narrative essay
graduate term paper writing service

[url=https://payforanessaysonline.com/]pay to write essay[/url]
[url=https://englishessayhelp.com/]writing paper[/url]
[url=https://domyhomeworkformecheap.com/]write paper[/url]
[url=https://writeadissertation.com/]how to write a research papers[/url]

[url=http://forum.plitv.tv/index.php?topic=3468.new#new]free online + samples + thesis papers + mla format[/url] 9c09ca0

Howdy I think your blog could be having web browser compatibility problems. When I look at your blog in Safari it looks fine but when opening in I.E. its got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up Besides that fantastic website

Dennie Lannen from Fairfield was searching for lancia thesis 2 4 jtd
Gerianne Wanat uncovered the response to an inquiry lancia thesis 2 4 jtd
hiring technical writer
art history dissertation tips

<a href=https://ouressays.com/>buy an essay</a>
<a href=https://topswritingservices.com/>thesis paper</a>
<a href=https://dissertationwritingtops.com/>essays writing service</a>
<a href=https://domycollegehomeworkforme.com/>buy an essays</a>

<a href=http://lh.hackp.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=354269>sample thesis of inventory system</a> 9ca0c49

Giralda Claucherty from Cleveland was on the hunt for uga thesis dissertation
Amil Nolt came across the answer to a search query uga thesis dissertation
discussion phd thesis proposals computing science
umi microfilm dissertation

<a href=https://theessayswriters.com/>writing websites</a>
<a href=https://englishessayhelp.com/>write papers</a>
<a href=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/>can you do my homework</a>
<a href=https://dissertationwritingtops.com/>help writing dissertation proposal</a>

<a href=http://forum.plitv.tv/index.php?topic=3363.new#new>leadership essay help</a> 952_d09

Kaylyn Lannigan from St. Paul was on the hunt for organizational behavior dissertation proposal
Beilul Cardimino discovered the solution to a search question organizational behavior dissertation proposal
example thesis statement informative speech
dissertation binding london islington

<a href=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/>how do you say do my homework in spanish</a>
<a href=https://writingpaperforme.com/>essays writing services</a>
<a href=https://dissertationwritingtops.com/>best dissertation editing services</a>

<a href=https://thecardboard.org/boardnew/showthread.php?tid=18024&pid=235447#pi... dissertation topic</a> ff39c32

Odilia Teemer from New Orleans was seeking how to do a master thesis presentation
Daisie Lucek came across the answer to a search query how to do a master thesis presentation
citing a doctoral dissertation in apa
thesis reports computer science

<a href=https://dissertationwritingtops.com/>argumentative essay topics</a>
<a href=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/>buy essay</a>

<a href=https://kathymarks.com/friday-afternoon-video-role-web-developer?page=34... definition egregious</a> c09ca0c

I'll immediately snatch your rss as I can't to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

I do not even know how I ended up here but I thought this post was great. I dont know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you arent already ; Cheers

I really like it whenever people come together and share ideas. Great blog continue the good work

Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm looking to start my own blog soon but I'm having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

Hi there Im at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts Carry on the fantastic work

Hi would you mind stating which blog platform youre using? Im going to start my own blog in the near future but Im having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and Im looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask

Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply cool and i can assume you're an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!

Thank you for some other informative site. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such a perfect means? I have a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I've been at the glance out for such information.

Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my weblog so i came to return the favor?.I am attempting to find things to enhance my website!I guess its ok to use some of your ideas!!

Asking questions are truly good thing if you are not understanding something fully however this article gives nice understanding yet.

Pages

Add new comment