I learned that androcentric norms is generally the placing of the male in the center of focus. His needs are typically met first and foremost. Material written for courses tends to reflect a “male ideologies” rather than a female ones.This is problematic for women in the sense that many of her needs are secondary and even overlooked as a result of their “lack of prominence.” We learned in class that many women were suffering and dying from heart attacks because studies were not done of women, their symptoms are sometimes different from those of men. Many women would have these differing signs of a heart attack and die, as a result of the studies favoring men. Also, many young women experience more stress in school and testing because the systems are set up to favor males. Many of the math tests involve blowing things up, action based games are promoted to boys by parents, schools, TV, and other social institutions, whereas girls are not encouraged to engage in these action based (often violent) activities. Androcentric norms can also limit how many women enroll in technical based colleges, the programs are more linear and similar to how men are taught to think. Enrollment increased from one college (8 percent to 32 percent) when the college changed the way the courses were set up-they included a course that allowed students to work hand in hand with social activist groups.
cronegeek said
Those interested in learning more about androcentric norms and how they influence computer education might want to view the slide show on this topic at http://www.slideshare.net/cronegeek/androcentric-bias-computers