As somebody interested in gender equality in CS, one thing that's proved quite illuminating for me is to read up on the psychology of sexism. Why does sexism persist in society? What social and psychological structures keep it in place?
Sexism in some ways is unlike other forms of discrimination. When it comes to race, or class, or disability, the social psychology literature will frequently talk about social distance. But when it comes to women, men "can't live without 'em" [1] -- and so things tend to be a bit different.
Ambivalent Sexism
It turns out that sexism has two faces: good old hostile sexism -- and the more palatable benevolent sexism. Benevolent sexism is the notion that women are wonderful, caring, nurturing and beautiful creatures -- and so must be protected and provided for. (Note the "creatures" -- not "people".)
The evidence on the psychology of sexism is that the people who espouse hostile sexism are also benevolently sexist. They think women shouldn't work -- women should stay home and care for the children because women are so good at mothering. And they get hostile when their regressive worldview clashes with attempts of women and men to change the status quo.
Furthermore, the more you're exposed to benevolent sexism, the more likely you are to later take on hostile sexist views. The more you're primed to believe that women should fill the magical-traditional role, the more likely you'll try to thwart any attempt to move away from this view.
A vital thing to note about benevolent sexism is how frequently it is embraced by women. Many women will argue that women are better at being nurturing, or communicating, etc. After all, why would you turn down a worldview that argues you're wonderful and worthy of protection?
