In an article by Loraine Centeno published on 24 February 2023 in the Waterloo Chronicle, gender bias was explored how male and female students and professors experience communication. Dr. Maura R. Grossman, research professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Computer Science, and EDRM Global Advisory Council leader was featured.
An excerpt from the article, titled “Unconscious bias, microaggression among invisible barriers for women in tech says Waterloo legal tech expert” is displayed below, with a link to the original article.
For some women in tech, the invisible cuts are the toughest to deal with.
“When I co-teach a course with a male professor, it is not unusual for the male instructor to be referred to as ‘Professor’ or ‘Dr.’ and for me to be referred to as ‘Maura’,” Dr. Maura Grossman, research professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Computer Science shared.
In 2009, while working as a litigator, Grossman, along with a computer science professor conducted the first study that explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in categorizing evidence used during litigation. The tech they called, Technology Assisted Review (TAR) showed that machine learning can be as effective as humans in finding legal evidence in cases. Their work has been cited in cases and literature all over the world.
But despite women’s numerous achievements and years of hard work it is difficult for many of those in tech to get the recognition they deserve. “It is well known that male instructors receive better course evaluations than female instructors,” she said.
A study that analyzed performance reviews found that high achieving men and women in tech are described differently in reviews. High performing women are more likely to receive critical feedback that are negative rather than constructive.
And while some men are criticized for lack of skills, many women in tech are criticized for perceived personality flaws. It is common for women to be criticized for being “too strong” and be told to be “less abrasive,” the researcher said.
And this, Grossman says, is a constant challenge. “Having to modulate one’s behaviour so as not to contradict expected gender roles and not to be seen as ‘too aggressive’ or ‘too pushy’ or ‘too driven’ or ‘too stubborn,’ when the exact same behaviours would be accepted, if not rewarded, in male colleagues.”
Unconscious bias, microaggression among invisible barriers for women in tech says Waterloo legal tech expert by Loraine Centeno published on 24 February 2023 in the Waterloo Chronicle
Read the entire article here.
