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"In 1987, 42% of the software developers in America were women. And 34% of the systems analysts in America were women. ... the percentages of women who earned C
by fossuser 15y ago
"In 1987, 42% of the software developers in America were women. And 34% of the systems analysts in America were women. ... the percentages of women who earned Computer Science degrees rose steadily, peaking at 37% in 1984."
While that's definitely higher, still seems like the field was male dominated (the majority were male).
- Cushman 15y agoThat 37% dropped to 20% by 2006— nearly halved. It might not seem like a large percentage difference, but consider that that's the difference between the field being under 2:1 male and 4:1 male. That's the observation of interest here.
- fossuser 15y agoDefinitely true, I was actually surprised the field wasn't originally the majority female since I remember reading that the original programmers were nearly all women.
- iuytghyjuyh 15y agoAlso in 1987 the only count of "software developers" were people working at IBM/ICL/Burroughs etc. Most of these women devs were in pretty menial jobs - the equivalent of the Indian outsourcing outfits today. Those companies had women devs because they were cheap - not out of equality. Also CD degree programs in the early 80s were pretty rare - so 37% of 100 grads nationwide is easier to imagine than 37% of the 100,000 now
- aninteger 15y agoThe title "Systems Analyst" sometimes has absolutely nothing to do with software development. I know a couple of female Systems Analysts that know nothing about software development. I'm not even exaggerating.. they use a computer, sure, but they do not write or develop any software.