Factors that influence the careers of women in computer science: A quantitative and qualitative analysis

The current study examined the impact of parents, teachers and role models/mentors on the problem of under representation of women in the field of Computer Science. The current study investigated the problem from two complementary perspectives. The first perspective investigated the opportunities available for women in Computer Science and the extent to which the three factors (parents, teachers, and role models/mentors) impact women in taking up these opportunities. The second perspective investigated the impact the three factors (parents, teachers, and role models/mentors) in retaining and increasing the number of women in Computer Science. The reason for conducting this study was to gain insight into this problem of inequity and to find possible ways to lessen, and hopefully eliminate it, over a period of time.; The current study utilized survey research methodology to investigate the problem of under representation of women in Computer Science and also the impact of the three factors (parents, teachers, and role models/mentors) in addressing it. A combination of open and closed-ended questions and rank order statements on the survey questionnaire revealed that the three factors (parents, teachers, and role models/mentors) had a significant impact on taking women towards or away from Computer Science. Statistical analysis of the survey responses also indicated the relative order of importance of the three factors in their impact on women in the following order: (1) Parents; (2) Role models/mentors; (3) Teachers. The study concludes that the impact of strong, supportive relationships will continue to have a significant impact on who takes on the field of Computer Science as a profession. This study leaves implications for further research in socio-psychological and educational research in the hope of breaking social barriers of gender biased values that influence the psychological and educational perspectives of the entire society.