Workplace Values, Knowledge Gaps & Gender: Explaining German Adolescents’ Computer Science Career Choices

Abstract

A persistent gender gap in computer science (CS) study choices and careers remains in Germany and internationally despite long-standing equality initiatives. Late adolescence is a key decision phase for academic and vocational pathways, making it critical to understand what drives young women and men toward or away from CS. This article reports findings from a 2024 survey of more than 800 German adolescents aged 15–20. The study examines gender differences in intentions to pursue CS across three domains: workplace values such as earnings or career prospects, perceptions of CS working conditions and potential structural barriers, and self-assessed knowledge of CS occupations. Findings show that young women and men have very similar expectations of their careers. Contrary to common stereotypes that men prioritise pay while women emphasize work–family balance, most value ratings are statistically similar with job security, career opportunities, and high salary at the top three positions. The exception is job security, which appears even more salient to young women. Comparing value profiles with perceived CS job characteristics indicates that adolescents of both genders rate CS consistently below their ideal job and that perceived female-specific barriers may further deter interest. These patterns are interpreted in the context of Germany’s digital transformation—marked by a shortage of skilled CS professionals and the anticipated automation of white-collar work through artificial intelligence. These narratives frame CS as both opportunity-rich and volatile, shaping expectations about job security, career advancement, and work–life balance. The study also documents information asymmetries: young women report significantly lower knowledge of CS careers than young men, which may hinder informed choices and pose an additional barrier beyond differences in interests or values. These insights underscore the importance of targeted interventions that provide accessible, accurate career information, demystify CS work and pathways, and address perceived barriers faced by young women.