Sure, society has loads of examples of jobs being divided up along gender lines, and of unfairness against men too.
But does that mean we can't even talk about why our profession in particular attracts so few women, while lots of other "knowledge worker" professions are more balanced? Do we have to resolve all other fairness issues first, before we can even talk about it?
I think it's an interesting topic and that the hostility and derisiveness that usually surrounds these articles are unjustified.
"Do we have to resolve all other fairness issues first, before we can even talk about it"
I would be interested in why few women choose IT. However, the phrasing of the headline made it sound like more than just talking. "Lack" implies a problem that needs fixing, doesn't it?
The question about "male hookers" is fair but the reason is probably more physiological than anything else. I mean most males simply can't sleep with unattractive women (and I hope I don't have to explain the reasons for that - maybe there are medical workarounds for that but I have no idea about the efficiency) while women can. The demand is probably unbalanced, too, but I'm sure it's not completely, um, satisfied on women's side.
As long as we can still acknowledge that there are differences and deal rationally with them, the humanity will be all right.
No sarcasm, I really mean we have to commit ourselves to investigate and point out all areas where there is an imbalance. Not just where we would want more women or men, in this instance computer science.
I think also there is a lack of women in the fishing industry, out on the boats.
But does that mean we can't even talk about why our profession in particular attracts so few women, while lots of other "knowledge worker" professions are more balanced? Do we have to resolve all other fairness issues first, before we can even talk about it?
I think it's an interesting topic and that the hostility and derisiveness that usually surrounds these articles are unjustified.