Monday, November 7, 2011

Jack & Jill

Apparently a lot of people are worried there aren't enough women studying computer science. Personally, I'm not too worried. The computer science major at BYU has no formal application process; one simply needs to pass CS 240. Any guy or girl is welcome to take CS classes. Regardless of gender, people should study whatever they like. The ratio of guys to girls in the CS program seems to indicate more guys than girls want to study computer science, but no one is outside our classes bouncing female students. It is important to recognize that guys and girls are different, and have different interests. That is fine as long as we do not exclude people from their interests simply based on gender. The choice for women to study computer science is there, and maybe one day more women will. After all, Jill eventually tumbled along after Jack fell down the hill.
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6 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 7, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    A valid point however sometimes I wonder if the nerd/computer science atmosphere is a deterrent to more girls studying computer science

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  2. WesNovember 8, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    I think the stigma surrounding CS and other majors like CE and physics is largely what keeps women from signing up.

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  3. HarodanNovember 8, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    The girls of today grew up in an environment that saw nerds as a bad thing. Society as a whole was more comfortable with a male programmer than female, but as time continues and we see today's girls enter college, I think we'll see a more balanced program.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 10, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Guys and Girls are different. I think this is illustrated by Dr. K's noting of how we "execute programs" and "spawn zombies". For example.

    As you said, though, there is nothing to keep women from entering. I think the lack of women, though, is from a difference of interests.

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  5. UnknownNovember 10, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    I think my point was a bit lost here. Of course guys and girls are different. That's OK. I welcome girls to study Computer Science and join us in our work environments. However, I refuse to change the culture of our major and work because we are scared it's too much of a deterrent to girls. That's like asking a country to change their culture so more tourists will want to visit their country, or so immigration will increase. We welcome all with open arms, and stand proud of who we are.

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  6. AnonymousNovember 15, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Jill may have tumbled after Jack, but don't forget that Adam fell to be with Eve.

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