[zakk]

Besides your anecdotal evidence, there are strong proofs that the society is NOT influencing a woman's choice too much.

A gigantic survey (I could find references if you are interested) has shown that from ultra-repressive environments (Muslim or African countries) to ultra-liberal countries (Northern Europe) the percentage of women going into CS is about the same. It actually decreases a bit in progressive countries.

This strongly supports the fact that the environment does not matter, biological differences do.

[matthewowen]

It doesn't strongly support that at all.

A similarly plausible argument is that despite a lack of overtly regressive policies towards women in the West, there are still a number of cultural norms that influence their behaviour. Which is exactly the point the parent comment is making.

[MollyR]

There was research done in various nordic countries that when men and women are free from severe economic selection pressure, They naturally prefer different roles something like nurse vs construction worker.

Also area's like India,when men and women are under more economic pressure, there is more gender equal distribution in fields.

I've had this explained to me as the "Nordic Paradox".

[zakk]

You didn't get my point.

If women in Sweden are doing the same career choices as in Saudi Arabia, as a matter of fact one can rule out the society as a factor.

Unless you want to believe that Saudi Arabia and Sweden are equally oppressive to women.

It clearly must be something biological.