In the 1940s, the term "computer" referred to the predominantly female workforce engaged in computational tasks, crucial for military and scientific efforts during World War II. This period emphasized women's central role in computing, treating programming as women's work. However, despite their critical contributions, these tasks were seen as low-status, reflecting societal perceptions that marginalized women's professional capabilities.

As computing began to professionalize in the 1950s with the advent of machines like ENIAC and UNIVAC, which were initially programmed by women, perceptions of computing shifted from manual, clerical tasks to a technological and intellectual profession. This era marked the beginning of a transition, subtly starting to alter the gender dynamics in computing, as the field gained prominence and recognition within state and industrial frameworks.

The space race of the 1960s further advanced computing technology, associating computers with industrial and social modernity. This period began to subtly push expectations toward young men to become the new experts in computer technology, particularly in roles like system design, subtly sidelining women from emerging opportunities and recognition in the growing field of computer science.

With the introduction of personal computers and GUIs in the 1970s, computing expanded into various industries, marking the beginning of significant technological shifts. This decade saw the professionalization of computing, which, through formalizing qualifications and roles, inadvertently began to displace women from the domains they had previously dominated, pushing them towards software development, perceived as a less prestigious sector.

The personal computer revolution of the 1980s profoundly impacted gender dynamics within computing. The marketing of personal computers as tools for boys, coupled with cultural portrayals of computer geeks as predominantly male, significantly reduced women's participation in computer science. This decline was a direct result of the growing perception of computing as a male domain, heavily influenced by the era's marketing strategies and societal stereotypes.

The 1990s witnessed significant technological advances, including the rise of the internet and the proliferation of personal computing, which transformed the landscape of computer science. As the tech industry boomed, initiatives were launched to counter the declining participation of women in computer science, with outreach programs, scholarships, and efforts to make curricula more inclusive. However, despite these efforts, the rapid expansion of the tech industry was predominantly male-driven. This period's technological advances, while groundbreaking, coincided with a persistently low representation of women in the field, reflecting broader systemic issues that continued to marginalize women in computing.

The 2000s saw the internet becoming ubiquitous, and digital technologies becoming integral to daily life and work, further emphasizing the importance of computing skills. This era brought a heightened awareness of the gender gap in STEM fields, including computer science. Initiatives like coding camps and mentorship programs were introduced to engage girls and young women, aiming to bridge this gap. However, these efforts encountered significant challenges in overcoming entrenched societal and professional barriers. The digital divide—the gap between those with easy access to digital technology and those without—mirrored and perhaps even exacerbated the gender gap in computer science, as access to technology became increasingly linked to success in the field.

The 2010s saw rapid tech innovation in AI, machine learning, and big data, transforming work and society. There was a focus on diversity and inclusion in tech and academia, with campaigns promoting participation of underrepresented groups, especially women, in STEM. Despite efforts, challenges remained in addressing power structures and exclusion. Tech advancement underscored the importance of diverse perspectives, emphasizing the urgency of gender equality in computer science.

The early 2020s saw leaps in cloud computing, AI, and IoT, echoing past tech revolutions. Yet, the era was defined by COVID-19, hastening digital adoption and reinforcing connectivity's importance. Amid progress, the tech sector faced scrutiny for diversity gaps. Efforts to boost women and minority representation gained momentum, echoing past contributions. Lessons from history fueled initiatives to foster inclusive cultures and dismantle barriers in STEM. While some progress was made, underrepresentation among women and people of color persists.