Differences in Attitudes between Women and Men toward Computerization

Abstract

Using the principles of innovation of diffusions, this longitudinal study examines the gender differences in attitudes toward computerization at a liberal arts university. The data shows that women are more cautious in their interpretations of technological innovations. Indeed, women's and men's perceptions of compatibility and trialability differed the most over the longest time period. Specifically, men more than women perceived that the computerization effort, as an innovation, was more compatible and was able to be experimented with on a limited basis. Such findings elucidate the differences in attitudes found between men and women with respect to computer usage in general.