Planet Money When women stopped coding (Classic)
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Dec 7, 2022 Discover the vital contributions of women to early computing, from pioneering programmers to industry innovators. Explore the dramatic decline of women in computer science since the 1980s and the societal factors that fueled this change. Dive into how gendered marketing and cultural barriers shaped perceptions and participation. Learn about initiatives aimed at reversing the trend, featuring inspiring success stories of women reclaiming their space in tech. Unpack the rich history that shaped today's landscape in the world of computing.
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Elsie Schutt and CompInc
- Elsie Schutt started CompInc, a software company, in 1958, staffed entirely by women.
- They secured contracts with major clients like Honeywell and the U.S. government, achieving significant success.
Decline of Women in Computing
- Despite women being pioneers in computing, their representation declined after 1984.
- This decline is visible in computer science statistics, unlike other STEM fields where women's participation continued to grow.
Patty Ordonez's Experience
- Patty Ordonez, initially a math enthusiast, lost confidence in her computer science class at Johns Hopkins.
- Feeling intimidated by male classmates who seemed more knowledgeable, she ultimately switched her major.
