If we are thinking about the future of the technology industry and beyond, there is no better way to evaluate it than to speak to the workforce of tomorrow. InnovateHer interviewed over one thousand children aged between 11 and 17, and asked them about their views on technology. It is intriguing to observe the fundamental differences between the views of boys and girls, and how they view their futures in such vastly different ways. Within the following blog, we will discuss these differences, as well as exploring some of the root causes of these views.
Career Aspirations:
When girls were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, the majority of them wanted to pursue careers within the healthcare or education sectors, desiring to become doctors, nurses, teachers, psychologists or social workers. On the other hand, boys’ aspirations were perhaps less philanthropical, and noticeably more interested in engineering and technology.
It must be noted that it is not that girls do not find a career in technology uninteresting or unappealing. 78% of the girls interviewed said they are interested in tech and gaming, but 41% said they are unsure of a career within the industry, indicating there is much work to do in order to inspire more girls into technology.
Barriers:
So, why is it exactly that girls are unsure of pursuing a career in the tech industry? Some girls say they are simply uninterested and not excited by it, which is fair enough as some boys also feel the same way.
But, more worryingly, girls have other reasons as to why they do not want a career in technology. Some say they are intimidated by the fact it is a male-dominated industry, and others are worried about lack of representation, as they don’t see any role models who look like them within the industry. Some also say that they don’t feel like they have the education in technology and IT to be able to operate within this field.
It is down to all of us to change the narrative surrounding these barriers. We should do more in order to provide learning opportunities, and show girls that there is a space for them in the industry by supporting women into positions of influence and inspiration.
Gender Stereotypes:
Another element to address is the root causes as to why boys are so much more likely to want to pursue a career in tech than girls. It all comes down to the stereotypes society has enforced as to what is expected according to gender.
Whilst we often think of stereotypes as negatively affecting women rather than men, boys are also affected by expectations placed upon them. As young as 12, they are already considering financial responsibility as a deciding factor in their career path. They are largely influenced by family members such as fathers and uncles, and want to create a safe future for their family. They are motivated by the fact that a career in technology often promises a relatively high salary, and are more interested in the innovative elements of tech, rather than the more altruistic side.
Girls, on the other hand, are less likely to be thinking about financially supporting their family from a young age. If interested in tech, their motivations often come from a place of wanting to help others, or be creative. Alternatively, they may also be inspired to pursue a career within this industry from the perspective of wanting to challenge gender stereotypes- wanting to break into male dominated roles. They want to use technology to create a better future, rather than for their personal gain. Their role models are also individuals who have achieved professional and personal success, whereas their male counterparts are more motivated by successful sports and business people.
Conclusion:
It is interesting to explore the various differing ways in which boys and girls in Generation Z and Generation Alpha view technology. Perhaps the most striking difference between the two is the difference in motivations, but it can clearly be seen that societal expectations have been placed upon them both which has in part contributed to these.
It is all of our duty to change the views of both boys and girls. For young men, we need to assure them that they do not have to have full financial responsibility, and pursuing one’s passions is equally valuable. For young girls, ensuring that there are female role models within the technology industry for them to look up to is integral, as more women may feel inspired to enter the field. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can empower the next generation to pursue their passions and contribute to a diverse and innovative future in technology.
