Re:Outraged about the Google diversity memo?
by bobstaples on Thursday August 10, 2017 @01:32AM
(#14976732)
looking at the men:women (8:2) ratio in software science at my university in NL, I can perfectly understand where the inbalance in ratio in the workforce comes from. Maybe we should focus on that first? Trying to get a different ratio at the workforce in all companies will effectively mean you will have less qualified women. Assuming a CS university degree is an important qualification.
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Re:Outraged about the Google diversity memo?
by sidlls on Thursday August 10, 2017 @01:44AM
(#14976797)
Yes, it's important to attack the root cause. Might it be that the hyper-male workplace contributes to the perception of technology as a place hostile to women, and by attempting to counter that particular problem (e.g., by having diversity initiatives) it also helps attack the root cause?
I do think "diversity initiatives" are like voting in that it's the least amount of effort to put to the issue. I agree with your comment in this sense: I'd like very much for companies to go much further to address the root issues.
Re:Outraged about the Google diversity memo?
by alkonaut on Thursday August 10, 2017 @09:23AM
(#14979353)
The cause and effect is hard to tell, but this is exactly why large corporations should try to be diverse. How do you get from 8:2 to 7:3 in 5 or 10 years?
Little girls don't want to be programmers or scientists - why is that?
My gut feeling is that it's ti very a small part biological and to a large extent just momentum. With more female role models (moms not least!) in tech, things will change. Thats why I think it's very reasonable to hire for diversity (that is - hire someone on the basis of being a woman)