The views of men and future preschool educators on their gender identity

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Published: Dec 17, 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/dial.20804
Keywords:
male student teachers preschool education role perceptions
Ευστρατία Σοφού
University of Ioannina
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4882-9099
Λήδα Στεργίου
University of Ioannina
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0011-5062
Abstract
The paper presents and analyzes the views of men and future preschool educators on their gender identity and the challenges they face by choosing to study in a context where female gender prevails. The study is based on a qualitative survey conducted through semi-structured interviews with five men who study preschool teaching. The analysis of the data shows that the traditional gender discourse is so strong that it is difficult to challenge or disrupt stereotypical constructions of gender despite their involvement in early childhood teacher education programme. In this context, the article highlights the need for providing opportunities in pre-service and in-service programmes to explore gender issues. In order to better understand the multiple dimensions of under-representation of men in pre-preschool education and the possibilities for dealing with it, further research is needed on the perceptions, experiences and limitations experienced by men who study preschool teaching.
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