Unconscious bias: Are men more associated with digital technology than women?
A Case Study conducted with Stem Returners
Case Study Authors
Natalie Desty, Stem Returners, Dr Mey Goh, Loughborough University and Isaiah Nassiuma, Loughborough University
Context
Digital technologies are reshaping industries and job roles within the manufacturing sector. However, a persistent stereotype associates digital technologies primarily with men, often undermining women's perceived abilities in this field. This raises an important question: Does this stereotype manifest itself as unconscious bias? If so, it may create barriers for women, possibly limiting their career opportunities and progression. Understanding and mitigating these biases is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive labour market.
Objective
According to Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy, although women represent nearly half of the UK's workforce, they account for only 26% of employees in the manufacturing sector. Survey participants suggest that the prevailing non-inclusive culture, which tends to favour men in these roles, remains a significant barrier to increasing women's participation in the industry.
This study aimed to investigate unconscious gender stereotypes associated with digital technologies. Specifically, it sought to examine how these biases manifest across different industries and demographics, with a focus on identifying whether digital technology is more strongly associated with men than women. By analysing these biases, the study highlights areas where interventions may be needed to ensure equal opportunities for both genders in the manufacturing sector.
Approach
To measure unconscious biases, an online Implicit Association Test (IAT) was deployed, which assessed the strength of associations between gender and technology. The IAT test was chosen because it captures unconscious preferences through reaction times, offering insights beyond what participants might consciously report.
Participants from five key sectors—Manufacturing, Finance, Retail, IT, and Architecture and Construction—were recruited, with approximately 200 respondents from each sector.
The central stereotype under investigation was the assumption that men are more closely associated with digital technology than women. The study sought to identify whether this stereotype was confirmed or refuted across different industries and demographic groups, with particular attention to variations by age and gender.
Insight
The findings revealed notable variations in how gender stereotypes surrounding technology were perceived across sectors and demographics. These are the key insights:
Overall Results: The stereotype that men are more associated with digital technology was not supported.
Gender Differences: Women across all age groups and industries rejected the stereotype, indicating that they do not perceive themselves as less capable with digital technologies. Men’s responses varied significantly by age.
Age-Based Trends:
o Men aged 16-24, 25-35, 35-49, and 65+ were more likely to confirm the stereotype that men are more associated with digital technology *
o Interestingly, men aged 50-64 is the only group that refuted the stereotype, suggesting that older males in this group are more progressive in challenging traditional gender norms related to technology.
Sector-Specific Results:
o Manufacturing: This sector strongly refuted the stereotype, with both male and female participants rejecting the association of men with technology.
o Architecture and Construction: Similar to the manufacturing sector, both men and women in this field rejected the stereotype.
o Finance, Retail, and IT: These sectors presented mixed results. While women refuted the stereotype, men in these industries confirmed the stereotype.
* Participants aged 16-24 account for 6% of the total sample while those aged 65+ only account for 3%.
Impact
"This case study uncovers how gender biases related to digital technologies vary across just some of the many STEM fields. Whilst it is encouraging to see that this stereotype has been somewhat refuted, it is evident that there is still a long way to go before completely eliminating unconscious bias.
It is studies like these that put the issues front and centre and highlight the critical need for industries to confront unconscious bias and take proactive steps toward creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
As someone, who over the last decade, has grown increasingly aware of the persistent lack of progress in addressing these deep-rooted biases, I recognise the crucial role that research in this area can play, and how essential it is to continue fostering open conversations and pushing for tangible change."
Natalie Desty, Founder and CEO, Stem Returners
For further information on this case study please contact the P-LD at P-LD@bath.ac.uk
Acknowledgement
The work reported in this paper was supported by the Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation, at the University of Bath, University of Nottingham, and Loughborough University. The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Grant EP/V062042/1.