Challenging Gender Norms in Nursing

Nursing remains a female-dominated field, with men representing a small percentage of professionals. According to Wojciechowski (2016) and supported by the Department of Labor statistics and the United Census Bureau, there are approximately 2 million registered nurses in America, with men constituting only 10 percent of this workforce. This gender disparity suggests the presence of discrimination against men in nursing, influenced by societal norms and biases that favor traditional gender roles. This essay explores the concept of ambivalent sexism as a framework for understanding this discrimination and examines how these biases manifest in the nursing profession.

Ambivalent sexism, a theory that highlights the complexity of sexism, provides insight into the challenges faced by male nurses. It posits that sexism towards women is multidimensional, consisting of hostile and benevolent forms. Hostile sexism involves negative attitudes towards women who defy traditional roles, while benevolent sexism involves positive but restrictive views of women who adhere to conventional roles. These forms of sexism not only impact women but also contribute to societal prejudices against men in roles traditionally associated with women, such as nursing. In my personal experience, I have noticed my own biases when encountering male nurses. During medical visits, my initial assumption is often that the man entering the room is the doctor, not the nurse. This automatic assumption reveals a deeply ingrained societal bias towards associating caregiving roles with women. Research indicates that such biases are common, as sociologists and psychologists have documented the prevalence of ambivalent sexism and its impact on gender roles.

Male nurses often face skepticism regarding their ability to fulfill the caregiving role, as societal norms dictate that men should be decisive, resilient, and the primary breadwinners. Conversely, women are seen as homemakers and caregivers. This dichotomy creates a challenging environment for male nurses who defy these traditional expectations. Benevolent sexism, in this context, manifests in the perception that male nurses lack the compassion and nurturing qualities typically associated with female nurses. Hostile sexism arises when male nurses are stigmatized for challenging gender norms, leading to intentional or unintentional discrimination. For example, male patients may prefer female nurses due to fears of appearing "homosexual" if treated by a male nurse. This perception not only reflects societal biases but also impacts the career experiences of male nurses. Despite the economic decline of manufacturing jobs and the growing opportunities in nursing, men entering this field often encounter hurdles that their female counterparts do not face.

The nursing profession offers a stable career path with sustainable wages, attracting individuals, including men, seeking economic security. However, despite the financial benefits, male nurses still encounter challenges in their careers. Research indicates that even though male nurses may earn more than female nurses (Miller & Fremson, 2018), they often face systemic barriers during the hiring process. Some clinics and hospitals, predominantly staffed by women, may overlook male applicants, perpetuating an environment that does not fully embrace gender diversity.

The discrimination against men in nursing is a reflection of broader societal biases rooted in traditional gender roles. Ambivalent sexism, with its hostile and benevolent forms, contributes to the challenges faced by male nurses, affecting their career prospects and interactions with patients. To address these issues, it is crucial for society to recognize and challenge these biases, promoting a more inclusive view of gender roles in all professions. By doing so, the nursing field can become a more welcoming and diverse environment, where individuals are valued for their skills and contributions, regardless of gender. This shift will not only benefit male nurses but also enrich the profession as a whole, enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

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