Male early childhood educators in childcare centers. Attitudes about their role and absence. A qualitative study
Published:
Mar 9, 2020
Keywords:
Male early childhood educators Early years’ settings Gender roles Social stereotypes Qualitative study
Abstract
The present paper is a qualitative study which investigates the views as well as the experiences of early childhood educators regarding the role and reasons behind the phenomenon of male educator's absence in early childhood education (ECE) workforce in Greece. Twelve early childhood educators participated in the study. Educators were working at childcare centers in the municipality of Thessaloniki, Greece. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. Thematic analysis revealed three core factors regarding the role and presence of male early childhood educators in childcare centers namely: a) men seemed unsuitable in childcare centers, b) they represents a paternal role model in childcare centers and c) caring for young children: women's role. Τhe findings highlighted that social norms, social expectations regarding gender assigned roles and lack of support are challenging male presence in childcare. Need for all stakeholders to get involved in advocacy programs and policies aimed at recruiting and retaining men in early years settings.
Article Details
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Γρηγορόπουλος Η. Ν. (2020). Male early childhood educators in childcare centers. Attitudes about their role and absence. A qualitative study. Investigating the child’s World, 16, 42–57. https://doi.org/10.12681/icw.19006
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- Vol. 16 (2019)
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- Scientific articles & educational projects
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