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Masculinity at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Ruth Simpson

    (Brunel University, UK, ruth.simpson@brunel.ac.uk)

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a research project on the implications of men’s non-traditional career choices for their experiences within the organization and for gender identity. The research is based on 40 in-depth interviews with male workers from four occupational groups: librarians, cabin crew, nurses and primary school teachers. Results suggest a typology of male workers in female dominated occupations: seekers (who actively seek the career), finders (who find the occupation in the process of making general career decisions) and settlers (who settle into the career after periods of time in mainly male dominated occupations). Men benefit from their minority status through assumptions of enhanced leadership (the assumed authority effect), by being given differential treatment (the special consideration effect) and being associated with a more careerist attitude to work (the career effect). At the same time, they feel comfortable working with women (the zone of comfort effect). Despite this comfort, men adopt a variety of strategies to re-establish a masculinity that has been undermined by the ‘feminine‘ nature of their work. These include re-labelling, status enhancement and distancing from the feminine. The dynamics of maintaining and reproducing masculinities within the non-traditional work setting are discussed in the light of recent theorizing around gender, masculinity and work.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruth Simpson, 2004. "Masculinity at Work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 18(2), pages 349-368, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:18:y:2004:i:2:p:349-368
    DOI: 10.1177/09500172004042773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Kerfoot & David Knights, 1993. "Management, Masculinity And Manipulation: From Paternalism To Corporate Strategy In Financial Services In Britain," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(4), pages 659-677, July.
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