The issue of gender within computing: reflections from the UK and Scandinavia

This paper explores some of the reasons that may underlie the gender segreg ation and declining levels of female participation within the field of comp uting in Europe during the 1990s in both the professional (industrial) and academic spheres. The interrelationships between three areas - communicativ e processes, social networks and legitimizing claims to knowledge overlaid by gendered-power relations - are used to analyse and explain the existing situation. The paper draws upon statistical data to explore the extent of g ender segregation and then focuses on the authors' own experiences within t he UK and Scandinavia in order to explore some of the underlying causes. Wh ile direct discrimination does still occur, the paper suggests that indirec t, deep-rooted discrimination is the major reason for the situation that cu rrently exists. Drawing upon our own experiences in academia and business a nd acknowledging the importance of the institutional context, the paper off ers a number of recommendations as to how the current situation may be impr oved. We suggest first that consideration is given to the pedagogical desig n and marketing of computing courses so that individuals are initially attr acted to computing from far more diverse backgrounds, approaches and intere sts than at present. Second, we suggest that those with influence in the fi eld reflect upon the constitution and behaviours of the informal networks i n which they are involved and seek to include female researchers more activ ely here. Finally we suggest that consideration is given in more general te rms to how the field may become more gender neutral and, thus, more inclusi ve in the future. Masculine discourses and 'hard' skills have dominated wit hin computing for too long and contribute significantly to the declining pa rticipation of women within computing.