Researchers explain how stereotypes keep girls out of computer science classes

[Commentary] Despite valiant efforts to recruit more women, the gender gap in the fields collectively known as STEM — science, technology, engineering, and math — is not getting any better. The gaps in computer science and engineering are the largest of any major STEM discipline. Nationally, less than 20% of bachelor’s degrees in these fields go to women. Women are missing out on great jobs, and society is missing out on the innovations women could be making in new technology. Stereotypes are a powerful force driving girls away from these fields. Even though stereotypes are often inaccurate, children absorb them at an early age and are affected by them.

Two stereotypes push young girls away from STEM. The first is about the culture of STEM: one popular image of computer science is that it’s for “geeky” guys who sit alone writing code all day. We recently proved that this stereotype affects girls by high-school age, and we think it starts before then. The second stereotype that shapes the STEM gender gap is about ability. Our culture persists in thinking that boys are better at math and science. To make a real difference, we need to change the messages we send to young girls and boys.

[Allison Master is a research scientist at the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences. Sapna Cheryan is an associate professor in the UW Department of Psychology. Andrew N. Meltzoff is the Job and Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Chair and Co-Director of the UW Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences.]