Sex Role Charactersitics of Males in Nursing

Abstract

Sex role stereotypes are widely held concepts that attribute unique sets of characteristics to each sex. The feminine sex role stereotype coupled with the nature of nursing work, renders the profession more appropriate for females. Due to the pressures imposed by hegemonic masculinities, it is perceived that male nurses, as a consequence of their biological sex, are unable to possess the feminine sex role. A survey design was used to ascertain differences in sex role identity between male and female nurses in a contemporary Australian work force. The short form of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was distributed to 98 nurses to determine their perceived sex role identity. There was no significant difference between male and female nurses in masculine and feminine scores, and sex type categories. The results of this preliminary investigation supports the view that a significant proportion of male nurses see themselves having the personal attributes synonymous with the feminine sex role.