Who studies computing subjects?

In the situation that I am studying there are two girls and eighteen boys studying computing subjects post-16 in my class of twenty pupils. This is similar to my GCSE class where there were two girls and six boys.

There is a significant difference between the two genders. Because of this I have chosen to investigate why this is the case. I think that it could be said that women choose different jobs to men, and these jobs do not require computer skills and so choose not study them. Also many may see computers very masculine, and may feel they are for males, and so choose to avoid them. In addition, if people do not have the need to use computers for non-work related use, i.e. playing games for keeping in touch they may choose not to study the subject.

I think that this has an impact on girls and society as a whole because there will be less females with advanced computer skills, and that as new technologies are invented and become more affordable, I believe that these IT skills will be invaluable, especially as now there are many people who are being left behind, and not keeping up with the latest technology.