Diversity and Inclusion Issues in Computer Science
By Angelina Halle & Aarush Kandukoori
While the expansive field of computer science is improving, there is still much to be changed to achieve true awareness and equity for all. Currently, the computer science field is mostly dominated by males, predominantly white individuals. According to graphs on Zippia, computer science gender ratios consist of 79% male workers as opposed to 21% female workers. As for ethnicity ranges in this field, most minority groups are significantly underrepresented. Regarding percentages, Whites make up 66%, Asians with 25%, 5.2% Hispanics, and barely 1% for other minorities are in computer science. This drastic gap in both race and gender may be due to the lack of enthusiasm to include other essential groups to bring change. Taking a closer look into these issues with diversity and inclusion in the computer science field will lead to fixing and learning for the better.
Going back to gender ratios, it is apparent that males take up the computer science field. Why exactly does this happen? Since the 1960s, computer science has pertained to men and made the career seem masculine- unfit for any other identity. As a result, this male-dominated field is hesitant to include women and additional identities today. When men are in these powerful positions, it can be very intimidating because of the assumption that computer science is only meant for masculinity. This impact is not intentional, but by not including or hearing others who are not male, we are dismissing the experiences and insights required to evolve computer science. Changing these ways and becoming encouraging to different groups will alter situations in computer science and beyond.
People of color are additionally underrepresented in computer science. Black people, Hispanics, American Indians, and more are not seen in the works of computer science. Access to learning computer science can be difficult, so being aware of challenges and accepting everyone is very important. The computer science field is full of abstract knowledge and projects, so views may become dull and opinionated without the needed perspectives of every group in this workforce.
Diversity and inclusion are essential in any field, especially in computer science, because new views and ideas are a necessity to progress for everyone in the world. Equity can be improved by encouraging and supporting minorities in the computer science field, including groups and their cultures rather than excluding, and becoming aware of biases and working to change them. Exposing and assisting those who want to join the computer science field is a step to bettering computer science. Inclusivity will drastically increase creativity, income, connection, and ultimately better projects that fit all sorts of people. Actively including everyone and having diversity in computer science brings an advantage because of the immense knowledge and perspectives of many different groups.
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