Men’s career choices in early childhood education and care–an embodied intersectionality perspective

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Author
Ljunggren, B., & Eidevald, C.
Year
2022

Purpose

The study explores the relationship between men’s career choices and professionalisation in the kindergarten field by applying perspectives on bodily experiences. The study analyses how embodied experiences become relevant for career choices and professional development and practice based on life story narratives of Nordic men. The research questions are:

  1. How are embodied and intersectional experiences of kindergarten work and professionalism expressed in the narratives of Nordic men?
  2. How do embodied and intersectional experiences relate to men’s career choices to enter, remain in, or leave kindergarten?

Result

The study’s findings show that men’s embodied experiences play a key role in their career choices in the kindergarten sector. Men experience both inclusive and exclusive mechanisms related to gender, class and age, which influence their perceptions of professionalisation and practice in kindergarten. The findings suggest that expectations and norms related to masculinity and professionalism in the kindergarten sector can create challenges for men, while their physical/bodily demeanour and energy are valued in play and interaction with children. The study concludes that the recruitment and retention of men in the kindergarten sector require an understanding of the relationship between embodied experiences, intersectional power structures and professionalism.

Design

The sample consists of nine white cisgender men from Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, aged 26 to 55, with work experience ranging from 0 to 38 years. The men were selected because they all have experience in early childhood education, either as student kindergarten teachers or as practitioners in the field. The study uses a narrative method in which the men were asked to tell their life stories related to their career in kindergarten, without being interrupted. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with detailed questions and clarifications of the narratives. Finally, each man was asked to draw a story, focusing on critical moments in his studies or experiences in kindergarten.

References

Ljunggren, B., & Eidevald, C. (2023). Men’s career choices in early childhood education and care–an embodied intersectionality perspective. Gender and Education, 35(1), 37–52.

Online year: 2022

Issue year: 2023

Review year: 2022