Google employee's theory that women are unsuited to tech jobs provokes immediate backlash

AGoogle employee’s manifesto arguing that programmes increasing race and gender diversity be replaced with a commitment to “ideological diversity” has spread rapidly across social media sparking a furious backlash.

The 10-page document, apparently drafted by a senior male software engineer, was initially posted on the company’s internal forum.

Critics reacted angrily to its argument that the lack of women in tech companies was down to genetic factors, saying it was evidence of Silicon Valley’s hostility to women and minorities.

“I’m simply stating that the distribution of preferences and abilities of men and women differ in part due to biological causes and that these differences may explain why we don’t see equal representation of women in tech and leadership,” the author writes, according to a version posted by Gizmodo.

He goes on to argue that the company’s diversity drives have created a “politically correct monoculture that maintains its hold by shaming dissenters into silence”.

And the document also suggests that men have a greater drive for status, in contrast to women who may be less interested in coding and have a greater connection to “people and aesthetics”. 

The provocative essay, entitled “Google’s Ideological Echo Chamber”, first began making waves on Friday. A string of Google employees expressed their anger as the document spread internally.

Before long, details of the manifesto leaked out and the outrage snowballed.

For many it was confirmation of biases common among the white men who dominate Silicon Valley.

Google’s new vice-president of diversity, integrity and governance, Danielle Brown, sent a memo to staff distancing the company from the views.

She said it was not a viewpoint endorsed by Google.

“Diversity and inclusion are a fundamental part of our values and the culture we continue to cultivate,” she wrote.

“We are unequivocal in our belief that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success as a company, and we'll continue to stand for that and be committed to it for the long haul.”