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From Words to Work: Analysis of Gendered Language in IT Job Advertisements with a Focus on Low-Code/No-Code Development Platforms

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Low-code/no-code (LCNC) development platforms are reshaping the IT landscape by enabling individuals with minimal programming expertise to build applications. While LCNC has the potential to diversify the IT workforce, recruitment practices may still reflect gender biases that hinder inclusivity. This research investigates gendered language in LCNC job advertisements and compares them to traditional IT roles to assess whether LCNC offers a more inclusive entry point or perpetuates existing biases. A pre-study of 75 U.S.-based job postings revealed minimal explicit gender bias but a notable overrepresentation of masculine-coded language in qualification requirements, which may subtly discourage women from applying. Building on these findings, the planned study will leverage Natural Language Processing to analyze a larger dataset, systematically identifying linguistic patterns that shape hiring practices. By uncovering implicit biases in job postings, this research contributes to the broader discourse on equitable access to IT careers and LCNC’s role in fostering workforce diversity.

Source: Journal of the Association for Information Systems

Authors: Ogbu, Chijioke, Kusanke, Kristina, Joers, Rizana, Binzer, Björn

Institutions: South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, FernUniversität in Hagen

Language: English

Topic: Gender Studies in Language

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7006744566

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