Resumen de Gender differences as influence factors to choose computer science as a professional career option

Adrián Seara Vieira, Maria João Valente Couto

• Gender roles influence in choosing a Computer Science oriented career remains a problem since the emergence of the Information Age. In general, women are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. The objective of this work is to conduct a study based on current state of gender differences as factors influencing pursuit of careers related to Computer Science. The research work was developed with students enrolled in Secondary Compulsory Education and High School, using a questionnaire as data colleting instrument. The analysis of the results shows that, in general, the situation is still worrisome. Female students show much less interest in careers related to computer science due mainly to the work of their teachers and a distorted perception of their abilities.