"One thing I've read is that there used to be more female programmers and analysts than there are now" Proportionally, surely? "sending subtle and not-so-subtle signals that it's men's work and they should keep out" I agree but I would also suggest that society tends to view these jobs as "geek roles". when the job itself has a stereotype (and "computer programmer" has a clear stereotype) it can be difficult to entice people to that role who don't associate with that stereotype. And you know who to blame? Hollywood. For every sexy, latex-clad superhacker chick, there are a million fat guys with goatees wearing shirts with food stains.