preview

Stereotypes In Nursing

Decent Essays
Open Document

Nursing is perceived to be a subordinate occupation, both in relation to medicine, and to the worldview at large. While there are men within the profession with greater power and profession, they are equally considered to be subordinate. This subordination manifests itself in a variety of ways as compared to women’s subordination, but it still exists nonetheless. In society, nursing is perceived as being a feminine occupation and is thus devalued in male dominated patriarchal societies. It is often stereotyped as carrying the traits of nurturing, caring, dependence and submission. This is in contrast to male traits of strength, dominance and aggression. As a result, most male nurses attempt to separate themselves and the masculine sex role from their female nurses in the workplace as well as in society. Studies have indicated that when someone forms an identity that is ideally incompatible with society’s expectations, the affected individuals often become uncomfortable and are unaware of how to behave. In society, male nurses are often seen as females and this makes it difficult for people to relate to male …show more content…

As a result, the males’ role in nursing has been forgotten as nursing evolves into a stereotyped female role, even though men have assumed caregiver roles throughout history dating as far back as biblical times. Although the role of the caregiver in ancient years was reserved for males, in the middle ages it became open to both males and females, with religious orders accepting the primary role of women in care giving. As feminist movements grew, nursing began to be perceived not only as a woman’s profession but also as an oppressed profession. This has been further manifested by physicians who consider effective male nurses as a threat to the organized power structure within healthcare

Get Access