Women and Information Technology: an Economic Perspective

As information technology (IT) has exploded over the past decade, the need to cultivate and sustain a well-prepared and diverse labor force has become increasingly evident. The increasing penetration of IT into all sectors of economy makes it necessary to include all parts of society in IT professions. However, there is a serious problem in attracting women to IT fields. Currently, the percentage of women working in IT is much smaller than their percentage in the general population, or among recipients of college degrees. This book examines key factors behind the underrepresentation of women in IT education and IT workforce from an economic perspective. It compares the earnings of female and male IT professionals who have similar degrees and experience. Using Florida data, the study discussed in the book presents little or no gender wage difference for IT graduates from the Community Colleges and Post-Secondary Education programs, while an increasing gender wage difference for the four-year college IT graduates. The book presents compelling evidence for the wage gap in IT workforce due to gender discrimination.