I feel like a lot of posts on this topic are overly-self-critical, but many of the points here are solid.
I'm slightly in disagreement about the comment on Admiral Hopper's little hat, cuz it really is a funny little hat. That has nothing to do with her being a woman, it would be a funny little hat on a man too. But I can still see where there's no benefit to anyone in saying anything potentially belittling about Ms. Hopper.
As for that chart itself, I can't help but notice that big drop in the early 00s, during the post dotcom bust. It just sticks out so obviously. A similar decline after 80s boom. I do think what's going on here is more complicated than video games and male laughter. There's pretty clearly an economic component as well.
It could be sexism plays a role on that side too. What if women are less likely to be hired in downturns?
More digging is needed. I don't feel like the core of the answer has been found yet.
I'm slightly in disagreement about the comment on Admiral Hopper's little hat, cuz it really is a funny little hat. That has nothing to do with her being a woman, it would be a funny little hat on a man too. But I can still see where there's no benefit to anyone in saying anything potentially belittling about Ms. Hopper.
As for that chart itself, I can't help but notice that big drop in the early 00s, during the post dotcom bust. It just sticks out so obviously. A similar decline after 80s boom. I do think what's going on here is more complicated than video games and male laughter. There's pretty clearly an economic component as well.
It could be sexism plays a role on that side too. What if women are less likely to be hired in downturns?
More digging is needed. I don't feel like the core of the answer has been found yet.