Muži učitelé v mateřských školách – konstrukce maskulinity ve feminizovaném prostředí

Abstract

This article focuses on the topic of men working in feminised jobs and specifically on male teachers in kindergartens, who are in a specific position given that they are relatively few in number. There are several advantages for them in this position: they are accepted with enthusiasm and with expectations of change. This treatment gives them an opportunity to construct their own and relatively ‘elite’ version of masculinity, which is superior just to the femininity of the female teachers, but also to other versions of masculinity. This ‘elite’ version of masculinity is supported by female teachers and it contributes the survival of a dichotomous and hierarchical approach to men and women in kindergartens. The purpose of this article is to identify the main strategies that male teachers use in the construction of their version of masculinity in this feminised environment. The article is based on qualitative research, which included observation in several kindergartens and conducting interviews with male and female teachers in kindergartens.

Keywords

• masculinity
• gender stereotypes
• education