Hidden in the household: Now it’s men in mid-life

Abstract

Both gender and ageing are being reconceptualized as contingent and more complex than previously thought. The architecture of gender as we age is transforming too, as the twin forces of globalization (leading simultaneously to homogeneity and diversity) and postmodern identity formation collide and intersect. Lives, relationships, and senses of self are textured by socioeconomic restructuring, by the uncertainties and insecurities of the global economy and global politics, and by enhanced social and social policy meanings given to cohort, generation, and age as gendered. This paper examines these changes as they impact on white-collar men in midlife who have experienced involuntary job loss long before expectable retirement age. Through the self-reported experiences and reflections of a group of suddenly unemployed, not yet pensionable Canadian men, insights are afforded on masculinity in flux. Interviews with the men took place both in groups and individually. Analysis of the in-depth interview data is set in the context of shifting patterns of work and life course contingencies by gender and age as rapid socioeconomic restructuring occurs. Themes that emerge are profound shifts in self-identities as men, in the concept of masculinity itself and as self-defining, a deep uncertainty about masculinity as sculpted by age in this new age, and a clear preference to hide from the new realities, often, paradoxically, at home.When I first saw the unemployed men at close quarters, the thing that horrified and amazed me was to find that many of them were ashamed of being unemployed. They simply could not understand what was happening to them.

On the scrap‐heap at 45: The human impact of mature‐aged unemployment

“…The effect of loss of social contacts is likely to be more severe for older unemployed people compared with younger unemployed people since the developmental literature indicates that people tend less to develop new friendships with increasing age, instead deepening their existing ones with the assumption that they will remain their friends for life (Carstensen, 1995). The above passages support the conclusions of McDaniel (2003) about the socially isolating effect of middle‐aged unemployment.…”

“…Encel, 1997; Sheen, 1999; Taylor, 2001), there has been very little research into the relationship between mature‐aged unemployment and psychological and financial outcomes for the individuals. Two exceptions are the work of McDaniel (2003) and a theoretical article by Warr (1997). McDaniel (2003) undertook a qualitative study of unemployed, white‐collar, Canadian, middle‐aged men and found that unemployment was a shock to their identity, resulting in them retreating from the world and ‘hiding’ at home.…”

“…Two exceptions are the work of McDaniel (2003) and a theoretical article by Warr (1997). McDaniel (2003) undertook a qualitative study of unemployed, white‐collar, Canadian, middle‐aged men and found that unemployment was a shock to their identity, resulting in them retreating from the world and ‘hiding’ at home. Warr (1997) generalizes that being employed at older ages is not necessarily essential for mental health but that it is important for individual needs to be fulfilled.…”

Role ambiguity: Older workers in the demographic transition

“…For men it often is (van Tilburg, 2003). Consequently, many unemployed men are embarrassed to be seen in public not working or travelling to and from work and instead hide in the home, which they tend to regard as a woman's domain (McDaniel, 2003). Deprived of the provider role, they are unable to find a meaningful substitute in the short term, if ever.…”

Politiques sociales, changements économiques et démographiques et vieillissement de la population canadienne : leurs interactions

“…Les jeunes poursuivent leurs études plus longtemps ou travaillent à temps partiel avant de rallier le monde du travail rémunéré à plein temps. Les travailleurs vieillissants préfèrent la préretraite au chômage (Guillemard, 2000;Myles, 2002;McDaniel, 2003c;Myles et Pierson, 2001). Les catégories traditionnelles se brouillent : on peut être tout à la fois travailleur indépendant, préretraité, demandeur de travail et étudiant à temps partiel (McDaniel, 2003b).…”