Amidst stereotypes and legitimate fears, men are not welcome in daycare centers

What if the solution to the shortage of early childhood professionals was to hire men? On paper, the idea sounds good and the government is also preparing to launch a campaign to encourage them to choose these sectors.

However, while men are still very poorly oriented towards the professions of “care”, the support and care of people, the few early childhood professionals struggle to find a job. However, the mixing would benefit these still almost exclusively female environments and would allow children to deconstruct gender stereotypes, a male presence that still arouses mistrust today.

On this topic, the BFM media were able to question several parents to understand why, according to them, the men were absent from the middle of early childhood.

And beyond the clichés, some testimonies reveal a deeper fear, legitimized by the figures: a child is much more likely to be attacked by a man than by a woman.

Gender stereotypes, precarious work and legitimate fears

Today nurseries still employ 97% of women. In the collective imagination they are the ones in charge of caring for children and rare are the men who spontaneously dedicate themselves to the nursing professions. Gender stereotypes, of course, but also working conditions. These professions aimed at caring for others are poorly paid. Appearances can discourage those who are statistically less accustomed to precarious work.

Parents also do not always look favorably on the arrival of a man in a women’s team. While some testimonies mostly express dusty clichés, others invoke a completely different reason for distrust: men struggle to inspire trust, not only because they are clumsy or inexperienced, but because, how often, we fear they will attack. Rightly so, as most child abuse is perpetrated by men in the immediate circle.

Encourage diversity in the early childhood sector

Early childhood professionals warn of a chronic staff shortage, particularly due to low wages and difficult working conditions. To encourage new vocations, the government wants to sensitize men to early childhood professions in order to instill diversity within day care facilities. And to relieve a sector at the end of its bond.

This initiative is interesting, the male presence would allow children to deconstruct the heavy sexist stereotypes of childhood. The proven systemic violence perpetrated by men must not be ignored, however, and authorities must integrate these potential new professionals with the necessary rigor.

If there is no caring gene that would miraculously spare all males, parental concerns are legitimate as society is not used to seeing a professional and benevolent man approach a child.

Photo credit image of one: Getty Images Signature