The other day, I ran across this really interesting post (that you can read by clicking on this link) about women in technology careers and how they dress, and how there isn’t a single uniform for women in tech fields the way there sometimes seems to be for men in those same fields. This post addresses the issue of the representation of women in tech on TV and what’s wrong with it, and it gives some very real examples to illustrate its points.
(And for what it’s worth, my husband is a software developer and does not wear hoodies or sneakers to work. Neither, from what I’ve seen, do the people on his team.)
It also touches on the ugly topic of the way women are often treated in geek culture, as if they couldn’t possibly be real geeks if they’re attractive or have varied interests or aren’t completely obsessed in fandom but are just really enthusiastic and motivated by the subject they’re geeky about. (This is a difficult subject, of course, and it just might be one that’s touched a nerve or two in conversations I’ve had with less enlightened guys on the subject of my “commitment to comics” and other similar nonsense.)
I’m genuinely interested in what you think. Discuss! 🙂
Sappho's Torque 
I found this really interesting. I come from a profession (librarian) where there is a particular stereotype – in this case it’s usually gendered as women of course, but women of a certain type and not of a type that would be considered as a role model. So, it’s interesting that in one of the newer and more aspirational industries, women are being made invisible.
LikeLike
Interesting point. I think people — but often women — have the potential to be rendered invisible in many professions. Even when I go to writing conferences, there are sometimes odd gender divisions occurring in little pockets here and there.
LikeLike
They all look very casual. I’m a tadge suspicious because the article showcases only reasonably attractive, young women with trim figures. Plus I wouldn’t really know what the techie man’s uniform look is (I know there’s a brief description, but that’s a brief description, LOL).
Here there is ONE uniform for men in non-manual work. It’s the dark suit (blue or grey) with the trouser cuffs over the shoes, and the jacket has to be a two-button bum-freezer. Usually it is worn with a plain-coloured, open-neck shirt. Sometimes with a tie. Utterly boring.
See cricket commentators Michael Vaughan and Mark Nicholas:
LikeLike
Wow. That is really dull.
I agree that this article shows only a small sampling of women. I suspect they were just trying to make a point, but you’re right, it’s not necessarily representative. I wonder how many women were interested in being featured, or whether that had anything to do with it?
LikeLike
Mm, could be.
LikeLike