Children as young as six are already internalizing gender stereotypes related to technology, which could have significant implications for the future labor market. A new meta-analysis of research across 33 countries reveals this concerning trend.

Key Insights from the Study

Early Acquisition of Stereotypes

The study found that young participants generally considered boys to be more capable than girls in fields like computer science and engineering. As David Miller, the lead author and a senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research, pointed out, "The early emergence of these biases signals that kids acquire messages about computing and engineering stereotypes at home and in other environments before K‑12 schooling." This highlights the importance of parents, early childhood educators, and out-of-school-time programs in shaping these narratives.For example, in a classroom setting, teachers might unknowingly give more attention and praise to boys when it comes to technology-related activities. This can reinforce the gender stereotype that boys are better at technology from a young age.

Gender Disparities in Perceptions

Across all 6-year-olds questioned, 35% said boys were better at computing than girls, while only 22% said the opposite, and 43% said there was no difference. In engineering, 52% believed boys were better compared to just 10% who thought girls had an edge. These findings are particularly concerning considering the rapid transformation of the labor market by new technologies.Take the example of a coding competition. Boys might be more likely to sign up and feel confident in their abilities, while girls might be hesitant due to the prevailing gender stereotype. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the tech field and limit girls' opportunities in the future.

Increasing Bias with Age for Girls

The research also showed that for girls, the male-STEM bias increases considerably with age. At 6 years old, about 34% of girls thought girls were better at computing than boys, while 20% thought boys were better. By 16 years old, only 8% thought girls were better, and an astonishing 39% said boys were.This indicates that early interventions are crucial. If we don't address these biases early on, they can become deeply ingrained and have a lasting impact on girls' career choices and participation in the tech industry.In conclusion, the early internalization of gender stereotypes in relation to technology poses a significant challenge. It is essential that we take action to reshape these narratives and provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of gender, in the rapidly evolving world of technology and the labor market.