Men, Masculinity and Homosociality: Negating Early Childhood Education As a Professional Space for Men

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector is predominantly occupied by women, sparking global discussions on the feminization of the profession and its implications for men seeking employment within it. Based on an interview-based study, this study reveals how primary school teachers contribute to the perception of ECE as an unsuitable professional space for men. Male power and the devaluation of women and feminine spaces amalgamated to conjure up two main arguments opposing ECE as a professional space for men. The first is rooted within a gender binary system to construct men as being inherently different from women and would thus be ‘uncomfortable’ in a space numerically dominated by women. The construction of the ECE as an ‘uncomfortable’ space for men was founded upon a homosocial masculine culture where it was believed that men need to work in a professional space with other men in order to uphold an acceptable professional decorum as men. Working within a space numerically dominated by women was considered to be a performance that would emasculate men and jeopardize their manhood. The second argument characterized social spaces within ECE work cultures as 'womanly' and centered on trivial discussions, which were deemed to be unfulfilling for men. This research aims to enlighten conference attendees on the perpetuation of patriarchal systems of male power through the reinforcement of homosocial masculine cultures. Within this framework, particular attention is given to their impact on shaping the gendered landscape of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) profession. The findings highlight the need for researchers to explore the intricate dynamics that contribute to gender disparities within workplace cultures. This exploration extends beyond merely addressing the inclusion of men and spans the entire gender spectrum, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding to overcome barriers to gender diversifying traditionally feminized workforces, such as ECE.