Introduction
Nursing is perceived to be a subordinate occupation, both in relation to medicine, and to the world at large. Whilst men may have greater power and prestige within the profession, I argue that they too are subordinate. This subordination demonstrates itself in different ways than the subordination of women, but it is there nonetheless.
This essay will outline the various ways that male nurses are socially disadvantaged, and the ways they attempt to maintain their masculine identity.
Nursing is seen as a feminine occupation and is thus devalued in male dominated patriarchal society. It is stereotyped as having the traits of nurturing, caring, dependence and submission. This contrasts with the perceived male traits of strength, dominance and aggression. Male nurses separate themselves and the masculine sex role from their female colleagues.
When someone forms an identity that is incompatible with society’s expectations, people become uncomfortable and are unsure how to behave. In a society where nurses are seen as female, it is difficult for people to know how to relate to a male nurse. They find it hard to understand why anyone would choose a job dominated by the lower status sex, and make a choice that is likely to involve negative sanctions.2
Men are deterred from the profession by believing that other people will see them as unmanly. They may also believe that nurses only take orders from doctors, have limited career opportunities, and are poorly paid. Children are often particularly puzzled by male nurses. To a child it is simple, this cannot be a nurse, because he is a man. (Davidson,1996)
Nurses are no longer considered the doctor’s handmaid, but an important part of the medical team. Although nurses are crucial, there is an increasing shortage of nurses. The nursing shortage is causing many nursing schools to......
