Persistent gender stereotypes continue to block women’s path in technology

Persistent gender stereotypes and psychological barriers continue to keep women underrepresented in the technology sector, according to a comprehensive new study published as a preprint on arXiv.

The research, titled “Decoding the Gender Gap: Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Psychological Barriers to Empower Women in Technology,” examines why women remain marginalized in technology careers and what interventions can close the gap. The findings are based on evidence from 58 studies conducted between 2000 and 2025.

How stereotypes undermine participation

The study identifies gender stereotypes as the key driver of the gender gap, shaping perceptions of technology as a male-dominated field and discouraging girls and women from pursuing related careers. These stereotypes often form as early as six years old, narrowing career aspirations long before professional decisions are made.

The authors describe two main types of stereotypes that hinder women’s advancement. Descriptive stereotypes portray technical and engineering abilities as inherently masculine, signaling to girls that they do not belong in technology. Prescriptive stereotypes impose expectations on women to be cooperative and deferential, which penalizes assertiveness often required in technical roles.

The paper highlights the role of psychological barriers created by these stereotypes. Women in technical education and workplaces often experience lower self-efficacy, the belief in their own ability to succeed, even when their performance matches that of their male peers. This lack of confidence is compounded by the impostor phenomenon, a tendency to attribute success to luck rather than skill, and the stereotype threat, a heightened anxiety that can impair performance when stereotypes are made salient.

In Germany, where women hold just 16–18% of jobs in ICT and STEM, the study finds that these psychological burdens persist despite equal academic preparation. Women frequently report feelings of professional isolation in technical universities and workplaces dominated by men.

Strategies to empower women in technology

The research reviews a range of interventions that have shown success in reducing the gender gap in technology and fostering inclusion.

Role models and mentorship emerge as powerful tools. Initiatives like CyberMentor, Germany’s largest online STEM mentoring platform, demonstrate that exposure to relatable female mentors increases young women’s confidence and motivation to pursue technology careers.

The study also highlights the importance of peer support networks, such as women-in-computing associations and coding clubs, which help counter feelings of isolation and strengthen resilience in environments where women remain a minority.

Early interventions in schools play a critical role. Teaching a growth mindset—the idea that abilities can be developed through effort—helps dismantle stereotypes about innate talent. Additionally, curricula that link technology to socially meaningful applications, such as environmental protection or healthcare, have been shown to increase girls’ sustained interest in STEM subjects.

In the workplace, the paper points to the need for inclusive policies and practices that address biased hiring processes, ensure transparent promotion pathways, and expand the presence of women in leadership roles. These changes are vital for transforming organizational cultures that have historically marginalized women.

The study highlights national efforts in Germany as examples of systemic interventions. Programs such as Komm, mach MINT, Girls’ Day, Fraunhofer TALENTA, the Ada-Lovelace Project, and the Professorinnenprogramm have all contributed to increasing awareness and opportunities for women in STEM, although the authors argue that more comprehensive and sustained action is still needed.

Reframing the gender gap as a global innovation challenge

The paper argues that excluding half the population from full participation in technology not only perpetuates inequality but also deprives the world of diverse perspectives needed to tackle pressing challenges in areas such as climate change, healthcare, and digital security.

The authors draw on psychological and sociological theories to explain why progress has been slow. According to Expectancy-Value Theory, stereotypes lower girls’ expectations for success in technology fields and reduce their motivation to persist. Stereotype Threat Theory shows that when women are reminded of stereotypes during high-stakes situations, performance anxiety rises and outcomes decline. The Stereotype Inoculation Model highlights how regular exposure to successful, relatable role models can counter these negative effects and foster persistence.

The paper stresses that reforms must begin early in life, addressing stereotypes in family settings, early childhood education, and media representation. It advocates for long-term mentorship programs, inclusive learning environments, and structural changes in workplace cultures.

Furthermore, the authors propose advancing this agenda through the NEURON project, an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at integrating educational reforms, psychological support, and structural interventions to empower women in technology globally.