The Paradox Evaluation of IT Stereotypes - A Post-hoc Analysis of Women's Missing Interest in IT Study Programs

Various stereotypes are attributed to education and work within the information technology (IT) domain. Although stereotypes do not necessarily establish bad examples, they tend to carry a negative connotation for the attractiveness of this domain. Furthermore, especially women are accredited to be easily influenced by stereotypes related to technical domains. Previous research admittedly addresses stereotypes being a motivational constraint for engaging with a career in IT, but does not reveal how they affect career interests. Therefore, the paper explores how stereotypes affect young women’s interest leading them to not consider an IT study program. Referring to social cognitive career theory, interviews with 23 female students were conducted in order to reveal the influence of IT stereotypes on the development of interest.