[quoting Tripp, 17 May 99.a] Some people (mostly girls and women, but not only women and girls) don't like to interact with machines all day. The shortage of women majoring in computer science, despite recruiting efforts, is one symptom of this preference. I personally think this difference is mostly due to DNA, not "society," which is why I call it a permanent reason.
I disagree with the "interact with machines," but would postulate that since Computer Science departments most often start off their programs with certain math requirements and certainly math emphasis, that many girls and women don't study in that field for that reason (whether that is because of DNA or upbringing, I leave to others to dispute--there are plenty of arguments for either). There are masses of women who spend entire days at their computers. Just look at secretaries.