Reconstructions of Gender and Information Technology

This open access book explores what makes women decide to pursue a career in male-dominated fields such as information technology (IT). It reveals how women experience gendered stereotypes but also how they bypass, negotiate, and challenge such stereotypes, reconstructing gender-technology relations in the process. Using the example of Norway to illuminate this challenge in Western countries, the book includes a discussion of the “gender equality paradox”, where gender equality exists in parallel with gender segregation in fields such as IT. The discussion illustrates how the norm of gender equality in some cases hinders rather than promotes efforts to increase women’s participation in technology-related roles.

“An eye-opener regarding what it really takes to achieve gender parity in tech – not only in the Nordic countries but all over the Western world. Based on extensive research, Hilde G. Corneliussen offers rich insights to understand why the assumption that gender equality is already in place can actually make things worse. And she delivers innovative ideas on what to do about it.” (Nicola Marsden, Professor of social informatics, Heilbronn University, Germany, and author of Retaining Women in Tech: Changing the Paradigm)

“Through firsthand accounts of Norwegian women’s experiences in IT, Corneliussen reveals how gender bias can persist even in the world’s most egalitarian societies. Refuting the assumption that interest in IT is an immutable gendered trait, her focus on women’s motivations, choices, and sense of identity and belonging brings new insight into female participation in IT and how to increase it.” (Janet Abbate, Professor of Science, Technology andSociety at Virginia Tech, USA, and author of Recoding Gender)


“Hilde G. Corneliussen provides an exploration of gender equality in technology with this definitive and thought-provoking book. With meticulous research, she sheds light on the unsolved issues of the gender imbalance in IT, revealing the complex factors that hinder progress. Through compelling narratives and inspiring insights, the book unveils the resilience of women who challenge stereotypes and reconstruct the gendered space of IT. A must-read for those seeking to create an inclusive digital future.” (Jeria Quesenberry, Associate Dean of Faculty, Carnegie Mellon University, USA, and author of Cracking the Digital Ceiling: Global Views of Women in Computing)


“Professor Corneliussen’s highly readable book offers an innovative approach to a decades-long concern about the absence of women in IT. It is notable for her exploration of multiple and often unconventional pathways into IT, challenging the so-called Nordic paradox whereby gender inequality continues to prevail in this male dominated profession. This timely and important publication brings hopeful insights and practical advice for the future of the IT sector and for gender equality more widely.” (Clem Herman, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University, UK, and author of Women in Tech: A Practical Guide to Increasing Gender Diversity and Inclusion)


“Corneliussen's research addresses the striking paradox of how and why stubborn gender gaps in Information Technology work have persisted in Norway, a nation famously committed to gender equality.  Bringing together complex issues of education, politics, stereotyping, and women’s employment experiences, this book  deepens our understanding of the important interactions shaping global female representation in STEM fields.” (Amy Sue Bix, Professor, Iowa State University, USA)

​Hilde G. Corneliussen is Research Professor of Technology and Society at Western Norway Research Institute. Her research and scientific publications are mainly on how to make technology more inclusive for groups at risk of being excluded from the digital transformation, including Gender-Technology Relations: Exploring Stability and Change.