Only 20% of computer science students are female. The argument that women are simply not interested in computer science and simply don't want to program is no longer valid and is simply wrong. Because this number is the result of a social problem. The question that now arises is why so few women study computer science.
More women in computer science would not only solve subject-specific problems, but would also significantly improve the social recognition of women and generally be an important step towards equality. This happens because computer science is a very prestigious field of study and profession, with great potential for the future and promising starting salaries. You can find more information about the computer science course here.
Before the study
To answer this question we have to go back to our childhood. Because that’s where the so-called “vicious circle” begins. It is assumed that men would be interested in technology and would automatically be talented at things related to computer science. Even from an early age, boys are put into situations involving technology more often than girls. Be it a trip to the car repair shop on Sunday or the new computer game for your birthday. Children are therefore assumed to have interests in relation to their gender without them being able to orient themselves. This leads to boys developing more experience and self-confidence in the field of computer science, which is particularly formative during puberty. There we find our individual interests, which are based very much on existing experience and self-confidence.
The assumption that boys are naturally more technologically inclined also has other consequences. Boys' positive experiences with computers are viewed as a natural consequence of their skills, while girls are taught that it was due to luck or the result of hard work. Conversely, when it comes to mistakes, boys see it as bad luck or a slip-up, while girls see it as a result of their poor skills.
These two social observations are not only the reason for the low number of female computer science students, but also lead to the loss of many talented and valuable female scientists at a very early stage.
During the study
Right from the start, the high pressure to perform in this course of study is openly conveyed, because computer science is not only a very learning-intensive subject, but can also afford to weed out under-qualified people.
This problem is not gender-specific and particularly affects students with little prior knowledge or little time to deal with the topic in their free time.
The general observation that men often like to present what little they know in a self-confident and emphatic way is particularly evident in this course of study. Because despite their lack of knowledge, they present it confidently because ignorance is seen as weakness.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of tokenism becomes clear due to the rarity of women in the course. Groups of people that are represented by less than a third are no longer viewed as individuals. This means that individual women no longer dare to make mistakes or ask questions that are essential for learning, as this is not their individual responsibility, but is representative of the group.
The sexualization of women is also clear in this area, because it is often assumed that women only study computer science to get to know men. Because without being “owned” by a man, women are treated in an aggressive and sexually based way by fellow students. This shows that often men don't respect women, but only a man's girlfriend.
After studying
After completing their studies, it can be observed that one group in particular becomes successful in their careers: single men. This is because the job requires a lot of flexibility and time. Women usually cannot demonstrate this because, compared to other European countries, they have to do a third to twice as much unpaid work in the form of household chores. Due to the continued attribution of child and household responsibilities to women, they can usually only accept part-time jobs, which are not respected in this professional field.
Conclusion
All of these reasons explain why only 20% of computer science students are female. We are now responsible for putting an end to gender roles and also giving women the courage to study computer science, as it is an extremely interesting course of study with a lot of potential for the future. More women in computer science would advance the entire field, as many talented female scientists are lost due to prejudice. You can find more information about the computer science course here.
