When it’s “men’s work,” it’s respected

New British research shows that men who do “women’s work” get more respect than their female counterparts. Male nurses, teachers and child care providers say they’re taken more seriously, have better relationships with their supervisors and are given more kudos than women.
Ruth Simpson, who carried out in-depth interviews with 30 men about their jobs, said: “Women are definitely losing the gender war in the caring professions. While the caring performed by a woman is often devalued as a ‘natural’ part of femininity, the emotional labour performed by men is often seen as an asset.”
Men in these professions did encounter pockets of resistance from female colleagues, but were generally made welcome. Dr Simpson commented: “Women are more accepting of men moving into non-traditional jobs than men. Women in male-dominated jobs have to encounter a huge amount of sexism and barriers.”
The research was culled from a pretty tiny sample, but I think it rings true. Women who make their living caring for children and the sick are seen as doing their nurturing duty. Men who do the same are heroes.