"It's Hard to Be the Only Girl": Obstacles Facing Adolescent Girls in Computer Science Contexts

• In Event: Critical Analysis of Race, Girls, and Women in Education

Abstract

Utilizing qualitative data gleaned from focus groups with adolescent girls participating in cybersecurity activities (N=59, mean age = 16.3), this study identifies psychological and systemic obstacles hindering girls in computer science contexts. Guided by ecological and social role theories, findings reveal evidence of stereotype threat and perceptions of the computer science field as being masculine and isolating. Girls also reported little confidence in their computer science skills and offered many examples of low expectations from boys and male teachers that hindered their interest in pursuing computer science. Results have implications for educators, researchers and policy makers aiming to close gender gaps in the field of computer science.

Authors

• Monique Jethwani, Columbia University

• Nasir Memon, New York University Polytechnic

• Ariel Richer, Columbia University