Identification, and the Crucial Role of Key Factors that Affect Women’s Interest in Computer Science - A Qualitative Study of Women From Sweden, Mexico and India

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in the field of Computer Science (CS) in both higher education and industry. In this study we investigate which factors motivate and demotivate women to commence CS education and pursue a career in the IT industry. Furthermore,, our study aims to identify cultural factors comparing the key factors between three different countries Sweden, Mexico, and India. We applied a qualitative research approach and interviewed twelve women from these countries in total. To analyse the data, we applied a deductive thematic analysis combined with an inductive process. The findings describe female participants’ experiences, and how many of the factors described have a foundation in gender culture that are encountered from an early age. This study illustrates how successful female students and professionals in CS experienced the gender culture and how they challenged the demotivating factors they encountered, and utilized the motivating factors. The main factors that motivated the participants were great interest and enthusiasm, a strong selfesteem, a stubborn attitude, and feeling passionate about science and technology. The main factors that demotivate the participants were gender prejudices and discouragement.