Patriarchal paradox: gender performance and men's nursing careers

Abstract

Purpose – In this paper, the authors situate existing scholarship about men in nursing within the broader gendered landscape of the profession and society. As a consequence, the need to reframe the discourse about men in nursing from the current emphasis on personal or collective experiences to collective action becomes apparent. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A critical synthesis of scholarship addressing men in nursing serves as the basis for a conceptual paper which challenges the existing discourse on men in nursing. Findings – The experiences and careers of men in nursing are profoundly shaped by patriarchal power structures that situate caregiving within the realm of the feminine. Although men generally benefit in the context of patriarchal society, men in nursing are subject to a patriarchal paradox that marginalizes their performance of masculinity and situates them as unlikely caregivers. Therefore, men in nursing are preoccupied with balancing the contradictions and tensions in their lives associated with enacting a contextual performance of masculinity depending on the social context of their gender performance. Originality/value – A comprehensive synthesis of the existing men in nursing literature is presented and these findings are situated within a broader discussion of gender in nursing and society. This analysis provides the impetus for a “call to action” for nursing to comprehensively and meaningfully address the negative consequences of patriarchal forces on the profession of nursing.

Role expectations and workplace relations experienced by men in nursing: A qualitative study through an interpretive description lens

“…Instead of conforming, some men may choose non‐nursing professions which may partially account for persistently low numbers of men in nursing. This study confirmed findings in the literature about social stigmas and sex‐based stereotypes affecting men in nursing (Kellett et al, ; Kouta & Kaite, ; Roth & Coleman, ; Weber, ). The persistence of these stereotypes implies that social stigmas do not end easily and will probably continue to deter men.…”

“…Cultural and sex‐based norms defining masculinity lead to preconceptions of what compassion looks like. Sex‐based definitions of masculinity reinforce the stereotypes that negatively affect men in nursing (Kellett et al, ). Caring is a complex concept and there are no rules that dictate which sex is qualified to care or have compassion (Perry, ; Zhang & Liu, ).…”

“…Stereotypes that prevent men from feeling comfortable to express compassionate and caring behaviours deter men from nursing (Kellett et al, ). Sex‐based views of masculinity are thrust on men from birth.…”

“…Despite efforts to reflect the general population in the healthcare workforce, female exclusivity in academic and clinical settings has been a primary deterrent for men in nursing (Hollup, ; Jordal & Heggen, ; Kellett, Gregory, & Evans, ; Kouta & Kaite, ; MacWilliams, Schmidt, & Bleich, ; Zhang & Liu, ). Persistently low numbers of men in nursing has been explored in past literature but may have lost relevancy in the context of today's changing sociocultural and healthcare landscapes.…”

Heteronormative Labour: Conflicting Accountability Structures among Men in Nursing

“…Yet, men's privilege is complicated by intersections of social difference such as race, class and sexuality (Brown, 2009;Lupton, 2006;Williams, 1995;Wingfield, 2009Wingfield, , 2010. Additionally, feminized occupations present their own unique challenges to men, as gendered expectations on the job may be difficult to negotiate (Kellett et al, 2014;Lupton, 2000). Care work as a whole is stereotyped as feminine and associated with women and gay men, an association which may be especially harmful to men personally and professionally (Blashill and Powlishta, 2009;Hicks, 2006;Willis et al, 2011).…”