Rabie T, Rossouw L, Machobane BF. Exploring occupational gender-role stereotypes of male nurses: A South African study.
Int J Nurs Pract 2020;
27:e12890. [PMID:
32964584 DOI:
10.1111/ijn.12890]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM
The aim of the study was to investigate stereotypes of occupational gender roles about male nurses, as viewed from both emic and etic perspectives.
BACKGROUND
Male nurses are a minority group in health institutions. Stereotypes have been questioned regarding these males' occupational role and presence in the nursing profession.
DESIGN
A qualitative description design was used.
METHODS
During 2016, semi-structured interviews (N = 30) were conducted with male nurses (n = 10) (emic group), female nurses (n = 10) and discharged patients (n = 10) (etic groups) from four public hospitals.
RESULTS
Seven categories with respective themes and subthemes emerged. Three categories were captured for emic groups, namely, existing stereotypes, experiences of stereotyping and the influences of stereotypes on work performance. Four categories emerged for etic groups, namely, treatment preferences, types of stereotyping towards male nurses, origin of stereotypes and effects of stereotypes.
CONCLUSION
Positive and negative stereotypes were reported by both emic and etic groups, with etic groups revealing more stereotypes. Effort should be made by both management in the practice environment and the media to counter the stereotyping of male nurses.
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