Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Wikipedia Contributor Gender Gap: 8 to 1

WSJ -- A broad new survey of Wikipedia users found that only 13% of the online encyclopedia’s contributors are women. Of the 53,888 respondents who said they contribute to Wikipedia, only 6,814 (12.6%) were women. The male/female ratio is closer among those who read entries but don’t write or edit them: 69% men to 31% women.

12 Comments:

At 9/09/2009 7:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well if that isn't evidence of discrimination I don't know what is. I think the government needs to step in and force more women to edit Wikipedia!

 
At 9/09/2009 8:42 AM, Anonymous Rand said...

Obviously, Wikipedia is sexist!

There can be no other possible explanation.

0bama needs to appoint a Wiki czar.

 
At 9/09/2009 8:52 AM, Blogger Cabodog said...

With women doing all the work now, men naturally have more time to edit Wikipedia!

 
At 9/09/2009 10:36 AM, Blogger PFCT said...

I wish they had asked about political orientation as it has become clear to me over time that the typical wikipedian has the same political leanings and bias that your typical teacher has - far left!

 
At 9/09/2009 10:48 AM, Blogger Jody Wilson said...

I guess Wikipedia should start a quota system to equalize the numbers. We could also start a government-funded program to encourage more women to write for it. Or how about a women's-only version to provide balance?? The logical possibilities are endless!

 
At 9/09/2009 11:01 AM, Anonymous gettingrational said...

It is interesting that according to Wiki's website that 8 of 18 members of the paid staff are women. It might be 9 of 18 now except that Cindy Doran, the previous COO, left that position after seven months. Ms. Doran's previous position with Wiki was as temporary part-time bookkeeper. After leaving it was determined that she had a "substantial criminal history" including credit card fraud and shooting her boyfriend. It appears they have reached out very aggressively for staffing equality.

 
At 9/09/2009 12:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ms. Doran: sounds like a perfect candidate for a cabinet position in the Obama administration.

 
At 9/09/2009 2:37 PM, Blogger QT said...

Rand,

"Wiki czar" - Love it :-D

Given the preponderance of women who lean decidedly left, one would have thought Wiki was made to order.

Any conservative gals will have figured out that fully documented contributions that reflect opposing views are routinely deleted. Been there..done that. Objections to this censorship are permitted on the discussion board...if that works for you.

In the Wiki pantheon, Al Gore, Jimmy Carter and Hugo Chavez are in the running for sainthood. Ted Kennedy is of course already there.

 
At 9/09/2009 4:07 PM, Blogger juandos said...

Why is wikipedia given any more respect than spam?

It has NO real credibility...

 
At 9/09/2009 10:17 PM, Blogger QT said...

1,

It's a fad appealing to an up & coming generation of mouse clickers.

Wiki is a quick & dirty reference which needs to be taken with a good measure of salt and independent confirmation. Chances are that today's 20 somethings don't even notice the left leanings given the predominance of left leaning faculty & media.

At that age, weren't most of us filled with generally misguided nonsense?

 
At 9/09/2009 10:31 PM, Blogger Mark J. Perry said...

To 1:

From Professor Tyler Cowen:

"Critiques of Wikipedia miss its comparative advantage. Entries tend to be link-rich, and the ongoing debate and revisions refresh and improve the links. Think of Wikipedia as hiring someone to do search engine work for you, not just Google but the other brands as well. They then report back with the best links. Wikipedia brings you this service for free."

 
At 9/10/2009 12:37 AM, Anonymous Six Ounces said...

There seems to be an equal or greater gender gap on this blog. QT is Atlas holding up the XX side of CD world.

Can't you get more of your female students to contribute their thoughts Mark?

 

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