Description
In the United States, computer science is considered an extremely lucrative career. In 2019, STEM-educated workers in computer occupations had the highest median annual earnings among STEM occupations. [1] Yet, computer science has one of the largest gender gaps in STEM. As of 2022, 91% of software developers were men. [2]
This gender inequality did not always exist. Women were among the first programmers in the early 20th century and contributed substantially to the industry.[3] By the early 1940s, the majority of people employed as computers were women.[4] However, as software development rose in popularity and exclusivity, women were slowly pushed out of the industry. In the late half of the 20th century, a cultural stigma arose where programming was seen as a job better suited for men than women. Despite their historic contributions to the industry, the number of women in computing has never recovered to the levels reached in the late 70s and early 80s.
This gender gap has implications not only for the tech industry but for society as a whole. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is gaining popularity in countries across the globe. Yet only 22% of AI professionals are female. [5] To many, AI may come across as an objective, or “neutral,” learning model compared to humans, whose analyses may be clouded by their own personal biases. [6] However, humans are ultimately responsible for creating algorithms. [7] As a result, these programmers can unknowingly insert their own social biases into the programs. As society increasingly relies on AI, every user becomes susceptible to these biases. [8] If this bias goes unaddressed, many marginalized groups will be prevented from fully participating in the economy and society. [9] Therefore, these systems must be designed and created by a diverse representation of leaders. If AI is a tool used by the people, then it needs to better reflect the diverse communities it serves.
Source
Language
English
