Social setting influences performance and stress levels. This fosters lowered self-esteem and reduced success in such fields. The declining sense of well-being strongly inhibits girls' actions and abilities. This higher self-esteem translates into higher career aspirations. Relationships between teachers and female students are important in the development of the female students' self esteem.
Gender stereotypes are still a major factor in shaping the career aspirations of young women.
Their enthusiasm for these subjects drops much lower than boys'. In an executive summary report the AAUW examines the differences in the treatment of male and female students. Women of color face the problem of sexism within the context of racism. The AAUW report notes that more studies focusing on women by ethnic group must be done. Projects should be designed to determine what types of computer environments relate to boys and what types relate to girls.