The Need for Intersectional Feminist Design in Computing Education

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Exploring New Horizons in Critical Race Feminism and Intersectional Feminist Theories

Abstract

Though researchers and policy makers have recently called for increased diversity in computing, computing remains a field that is largely masculine and white. In this critical literature review, we bring together the fields of feminist theory, computing education, and educational design to argue that in order for us to help women and other minoritized individuals feel welcome in computing, we must directly challenge the culture of computing within our learning environments and pedagogies. Taking an intersectional feminist approach to computing means moving beyond stereotypically-feminine activities to understanding the ways in which a critical feminist perspective can inform the design of the physical, social, and symbolic aspects of a computing learning environment such that they foster a computing identity for everyone.

Authors

• Stephanie Hladik, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Marie-Claire Shanahan, University of Calgary

• Pratim Sengupta, University of Calgary