Inclusion Through the Ages? Gender, ICT Workplaces, and Life Stage Experiences in England

Abstract:

This exploratory paper examines the various challenges that women working in information and communications technology (ICT) in England face in relation to their age, their life stage, and their career stage, with these three aspects being at least
partially related. We first examine the literature currently available in relation to women, age and ICT work, arguing that
age tends to be the forgotten variable in research on women in ICT. Using eight case studies of individual female ICT professionals
in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties, we explore the nuances of experience these women have in relation to their
career and their caring responsibilities. We consider the possibility that women in ICT may have heterogeneous experiences
of working in what are often “masculinized” environments related to, but not determined by, their age. Based on our interpretations
of our empirical data, we adapt Super’s career-stage theory to better frame our subsequent theoretical assertions. To conclude,
we suggest that exploring age, life stage, and/or career stage in relation to female ICT professionals’ circumstances and
experiences means that we can better theorize gender in the field of information systems, and hence develop more relevant
gender inclusion strategies.

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