Pluralism and diversity in technology

This course was taught (in German) at the University of Salzburg (in summer term 2016) and at the University of Klagenfurt (in winter term 2016)

Content

Both, diversity as well as technology, have become an integral part of our everyday life. Even though employers strive to implement diversity strategies in order to be able to recruit skilled workers, technology is still considered male-dominated field. In the course “Pluralism and diversity in technology” students learn and discuss several factors in this context.

To this end, some key concepts – intersectionality, diversity – are discussed. The focus is primarily on empirical research in the context of technology. The course explores different reasons why men are more likely than women to choose entering or remaining in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Starting with study and career choice, continuing with experiences during study time and career entry, to everyday working life and the design of technologies – at all these stages intersectionality effectively and unconsciously produces exclusion – as will be discussed in this course.