Women and minorities in the computer professions

Abstract

Generally, while full equity may not have been achieved by women and minorities in computer occupations, the belief has been that their employment status was better and conditions were more favorable for full utilization of skills due to the relative youth of the computer field. The federal government, in particular, has been involved in computers since their beginnings, and in addition has taken a stance in support of both equal employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action. 19 This position has been backed by laws (e.g., Civil Rights Act of 1964) and Executive Orders (e.g., E.O. 10590 and E.O. 11375) prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or age in federal employment. Accordingly, it is reasonable to assume that women and minorities would have more opportunities within the federal government, especially within the federal computer-related professions.