Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Women + Computer Science = ?

Analysts have concerned themselves with the small women-to-men ratio in the computer science field. Why? The answer is twofold: the growing issue of gender equality (specifically in employment situations), and America's drive to lead out in scientific research. We should wisely consider the effects of pushing more women into computer-related fields. Research shows (and common sense confirms) that men and women differ in some fundamental ways. Research also indicates that each gender solves problems differently. Women are just as competent as men--I accept this without question. However, perhaps women constitute a smaller percentage of this field because their talents are better utilized elsewhere (be it in the home or in other occupations, I see no significant difference). In other words, capitalistic natural selection may be responsible for gender imbalance in computer science. I don't mean to suggest that the economy would suffer if women computer scientists increased in number, but I do submit that such might be less efficient. I'm all in favor of placing more women in my field, provided its effects are positive. Let's just make sure not to allow the sheer momentum of the gender equality movement to overrun sound logic and experience.

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