There is an interesting article up at ComputerWorld discussing a research project recently published in Harvard Business Review on the high levels of attrition amongst women in technology and science fields. I have often found myself thinking about this topic, as I know a large number of women in technology, most of whom have been in their fields for quite some time. The article states that one of the factors leading to women leaving technology companies (or even the field altogether) is that machismo and misogynistic attitudes permeate these fields; I'd have to agree somewhat with that. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've been met with skepticism or outright derision when joining a project as a senior technical person, or seen the blatant expressions of surprise register on someone's face when I prove that I know not only what I'm doing, but how to do it extremely well. I'll admit that some of that skepticism may derive from my perceived age; I've been told countless times that I look much younger than I am, and once, when I told someone that I have been working with Notes, Domino, etc. for over 12 years, they replied, "did you start when you were a kid?" But since I've seen that same skepticism applied to other female colleagues, even those who are older or more well-known in their technical areas of expertise than I am, I feel that it may be due to some inherent gender bias still hovering around the technology field, the "girls can't do computers" line of thinking that seems so antiquated to many but still manages to persistently stick around.
Other reasons the authors of the study give for women leaving or being dissatisfied with careers in technology or science include isolation - being the only woman on a team or project or sometimes even in an entire department or floor - and lack of mentoring. I've also found these factors to exist, the former moreso than the latter (at least in my personal experience). However, they bother me less than gender bias does. I have often found myself to be the only woman in a group of colleagues, but I've never found it to be in any way inappropriate or isolating - perhaps I've just been lucky to have the groups of coworkers that I've been fortunate enough to work with. As for mentoring, I don't have a preference as to which gender a mentor is, as long as they can give me information and guidance that is appropriate to my career. I can see how those factors could affect women in science and technology careers, however.
Whatever the reason, it saddens me to see women leave technology and science, because many women do excel in those fields, and because I want to see my daughter's generation grow up seeing that they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. (Which brings us back to the mentoring point - which could be a factor in women choosing not to even enter science or technology fields at all.) I hope that one day, we can all overcome our biases and have true equality for women in the workplace.
links via Boing Boing Gadgets
Amen, sister. I think the article and you have it correct. I've often said that if asked, I would not recommend IT as a career to a young woman, (and would barely recommend it to a young man, given the downs and ups of the industry). I was trained as and worked as Mechanical Engineer in my first 14-year career. I was one of the first in everything - school, every work team I was on, etc. I have to say, it's not much better there either. I get tired of proving myself. And maybe its because I'm older than you , but I do find it isolating to be STILL the minority.
Posted by: Susan Bulloch | June 20, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Right - and when I was saying I didn't feel isolated, it was more related to being able to socialize with and relate to colleagues in the workplace. I am fortunate that the male colleagues I work with now (and most in the past, with very few exceptions) have all been easy to get along with and have not exhibited any of the gender bias I mentioned.
However, it definitely is isolating to be in the minority. Even though it seems like there are more women in software development than in some other technology sectors, we are still a smaller group and we still have to push against plenty of obstacles.
Posted by: Kathleen | June 20, 2008 at 04:50 PM
from a personal point of view, the best place i seen for women in it, as at the top (this may be biased as all but 1 of my main boses has been a woman), but quite frankly they screw up far less than the male ones do, they guide rather than order, then gain respect rather than demand it, and just seem better at moving the sullen bulk that is a It department than some twit just of a golf course.
Posted by: mark | June 21, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Maybe I'm just being extra postpartum or something, but lately I've been thinking a lot about leaving the industry. I'm getting very tired of and I don't have time to deal with the 'pat-pat-on-the-head, "that's a cute theory, now go and leave us big boys to talk."
I do honestly think it's always been like that. I could always deal with it before. But now every second for me counts now, and like I said, I don't have time for that. I'll go where my opinion is valued and I have a real chance to make it.
Posted by: Jess Stratton | June 21, 2008 at 06:53 PM
C'mon now girls -- don't underestimate yourselves. You're bumming us out. More likely, you're intimidating them.
Seriously, I've seen you all in action and you are all strong role models (and a true inspiration really) for our IT (Lotus especially) community.
If you get "the boys club" treatment then you're just working with the wrong dudes or need to just remember: At the end of the day, your work speaks for itself. Drama at the office, regardless of the situation, will always present itself in ANY industry. It's high school all over again. The fun is the technology which is why you started in this industry right?
Some days are better than others and rather than bow out (which I hope you don't): Change IT. Make it better (you already have).
Keep 'em up girls! ;)
Posted by: Lissette Arenas | July 02, 2008 at 10:22 PM