UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Russell, Julia
Dept./Program:
College of Education and Social Services
Year:
2004
Degree:
Ed. D.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to begin to understand why the percentage of computer science majors who are women has been declining since 1984. The study focused on both a woman's expectations of success in computer science and the value she placed upon pursuing a career in the field. In order to understand the full context of such decision-making and its changing nature over time, this study focused on the experiences of two people at different points in the historical spectrum - a current undergraduate and the author, a mid-1980s computer science major. Using qualitative research techniques, specifically Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot's (1997) portraiture methodology, the study presents both in-depth portraits of each of the participants as well as thematic analysis. Each of these components was further explored through the use of multimedia ethnography, culminating in the development of a project website jointly developed by the student and the author.
The study uncovered four themes that affected decision-making. Both the current undergraduate and the author received initial support from parents and mentors for their interest in computer science. However, the current student ultimately left the field for reasons that did not dissuade a 1980s major. For example, the current student was searching for balance amongst a variety of competing interests, while the author had not been. In part because the student believed computer science was incompatible with a balanced lifestyle, she switched majors. The male IT culture was also a barrier, creating an environment in which the current student believed success required relinquishing her femininity. Although the computer science culture was also male-oriented in the 1980s, the culture has infiltrated the popular media, creating a more pervasive image of who belongs (and who does not) in computer science. Further, the 1980s major grew up in a time when cultural barriers were easier to identify. As a result, the author grew up attuned to discrimination, with an active desire to resist stereotyped expectations. Continuing in computer science was one way to resist such expectations. Finally, and surprisingly, the research process itself proved to be influential in the decision-making process, providing the current student the opportunity to reflect upon her goals and ultimately switch directions.
The study uncovered four themes that affected decision-making. Both the current undergraduate and the author received initial support from parents and mentors for their interest in computer science. However, the current student ultimately left the field for reasons that did not dissuade a 1980s major. For example, the current student was searching for balance amongst a variety of competing interests, while the author had not been. In part because the student believed computer science was incompatible with a balanced lifestyle, she switched majors. The male IT culture was also a barrier, creating an environment in which the current student believed success required relinquishing her femininity. Although the computer science culture was also male-oriented in the 1980s, the culture has infiltrated the popular media, creating a more pervasive image of who belongs (and who does not) in computer science. Further, the 1980s major grew up in a time when cultural barriers were easier to identify. As a result, the author grew up attuned to discrimination, with an active desire to resist stereotyped expectations. Continuing in computer science was one way to resist such expectations. Finally, and surprisingly, the research process itself proved to be influential in the decision-making process, providing the current student the opportunity to reflect upon her goals and ultimately switch directions.