A Qualitative Study To Explore The Low Number Of Women In Information Technology In The United States

The number of women in Information Technology in the United States has historically been lower than the number of men in the field. This study explores the reasons behind this disparity and recommends steps that can be taken to increase the number of women in the field. This qualitative study examines why women are not attracted to the Information Technology field and examines reasons why women leave the field. Surveys were conducted with two populations, (1) women who currently work in Information Technology and (2) Information Technology recruiters. The results of these surveys were analyzed to see if there were trends that confirmed why women are not attracted to Information Technology careers or tend to leave the field early. Several barriers were discovered during data analysis which corroborated prior researchers\u27 findings that work-life balance, lack of mentors and working alongside the Information Technology male stereotype are reasons why there are fewer women in the field. The study concludes by offering suggestions on how generating more interest in the Information Technology field can be accomplished by better defining what Information Technology is and also by engaging women who currently hold Information Technology positions to support young women to become interested in the field