Final answer:
According to the information provided from White (2021) and not Cooper (2013), women in IT roles have decreased from 31 percent in 1990 to 25 percent in 2020, indicating a gender diversity issue in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The information technology (IT) field has seen a steady expansion, but the representation of women in IT has not reflected this growth. While women account for 47 percent of all employed adults in the United States, their presence in IT roles has seen a decline. As of 2013, no specific statistics from Cooper were mentioned in the provided reference, but data from White (2021) highlighted that the percentage of women in IT decreased from 31 percent in 1990 to 25 percent in 2020. Furthermore, only 19 percent of women pursue a computer science major in college, and the retention rate within the field for women who have graduated is also lower compared to men. This signals a clear need for initiatives such as encouraging girls' interest in technology from middle school, active recruitment in colleges, workplace mentorship programs, and flexible work options to help improve gender diversity and increase the number of women in IT over time.