Greek male senior high school students' attitudes and perceptions towards early childhood education and care

Abstract

While the attitudes of young people to gender roles are changing, this seems not to be the reality as far as career choice is concerned. This is especially true for the professional field of early childhood education and care. The degree of gender segregation and occupational stereotype in this sector are pronounced, since the workforce is mainly women. The present study examines male senior high school students' perceptions of the professional field of early childhood education and care which is considered as being one of the most gendered jobs and careers. Furthermore it aims at exploring factors associated with particular responses and why pupils felt that this particular job is suited or not suited to men. Research data reveal stereotypes both as far as men's and women's roles in children's care and education is concerned and in regard to the characteristics men and women possess. Societal perceptions seem to have shaped male senior high school students towards the professional field of early childhood education and care. Results suggest that in order to recruit more male early childhood educators, focus should be shifted to changing societal perception about gender roles. Thus, information is required.