The main factors explaining IT Career Choices of Female Students in Bolivia.

Abstract

In this study, we explore the factors explaining why Bolivian women are less likely to choose careers in information technology (IT). Through interviews and two focus groups we found that, among the factors highlighted in the international literature, the factors lifestyle values or work-family balance preferences, and stereotypes and prejudices related to gender are the ones that are most relevant in the Bolivian case. In addition, we identified three other relevant factors influencing career choice: (1) parents of students have a crucial influence on the choice of the major. To a lesser extent, we found that (2) study costs in careers in IT can influence the choices, and that (3) the training at school in the area of mathematics is relevant.