Why Are Engineering and Computer Science Programs Primarily Male, Despite Girls Outperforming Boys Academically?

As a straight A student, my experience at a top school provided a unique perspective. While I was exceptional, the majority of boys often preferred to slack off, and it made me an outlier. Despite this, it is important to note that my success was not an anomaly, as girls consistently outperform boys in academic settings. However, this does not translate to equal participation in certain fields, such as engineering and computer science, which are predominantly male.

Girls and Academic Excellence

Observing my classmates, a clear disparity emerges. While I can be seen as an exception among boys due to my high academic standing, the overall trend among males is to underperform. In contrast, girls tend to be diligent and studious, adhering to the same rigorous standards as I do. Their dedication is reflected in the overall higher grades they achieve. Furthermore, not all girls fit this mold, as some also engage in mischief, while a few boys excel in their studies, albeit they are in the minority.

The cultural and societal expectations surrounding gender roles in education contribute significantly to this phenomenon. Parents, teachers, and peers often subtly reinforce the notion that academics are primarily the domain of girls. As a result, many boys feel less pressure to excel in their studies. Conversely, girls are frequently encouraged to pursue excellence, leading to a higher number of high-achieving female students.

Role Models and Media Representation

The success stories of women in engineering and computer science provide positive role models that can inspire young girls. For instance, a friend's daughter who recently graduated and is now working at IBM benefited from having an aunt and elder sister who worked in tech. Both her aunt and elder sister served as powerful role models, demonstrating that women can indeed thrive in these industries. However, the underrepresentation of women in these fields means that many young girls are unaware of such opportunities.

Media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of gender roles and career aspirations. Several television programs have featured prominent female engineers and project managers. Examples include a female engineer overseeing the construction of a new road bridge over the M1 and another directing the redevelopment of a new street station. These stories emphasize the importance of safety and teamwork, illustrating that women can excel in these roles. Nevertheless, more exposure to these role models is necessary to encourage girls to consider these fields.

Historical and Contemporary Context

The current gender gap in engineering and computer science is not a new phenomenon. Historically, women have been leaders and pioneer in these fields. Ada Lovelace, widely recognized as the world's first computer programmer, and numerous other women made significant contributions to the development of mathematics and computer science. However, as these fields became more lucrative and associated with masculinity, gender inequalities emerged. Due to the perceived cultural and societal norms, women found it difficult to break into these male-dominated industries.

Today, women in the tech industry face the perpetual challenge of harassment and exclusion. According to statistics, over 50% of women in the tech industry have experienced harassment at work. This not only deters women from pursuing careers in these fields but also creates an inhospitable environment for those who do work there. Moreover, the lack of female representation makes it harder for girls to visualize themselves in these roles, further exacerbating the gender gap.

Conclusion

While girls generally outperform boys academically, the fields of engineering and computer science remain largely dominated by males. This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including cultural expectations, lack of role models, and systemic barriers. By increasing visibility of female role models and fostering inclusive environments, we can encourage more young girls to aspire and achieve in these fields. It is crucial to recognize and address the underlying issues to promote equal opportunities and representation for women in engineering and computer science.

Keywords: engineering, computer science, gender gap