New study provides insights into complexities of gender at work
Men in typically female-dominated occupations tend to value the social aspects of their career over financial rewards, the findings of a study by Dr Catherine Steele from the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour and a team at the University of Worcester suggest.
A total of 34 men were interviewed; this included 15 primary school teachers and 19 university administrators. They discussed their career history, experience of success and the support they received from their organisations. The interviews revealed that their definitions of career success included features other than pay and promotion such as building friendships with colleagues and flexible working that enabled time for family and social commitments.
For male primary school teachers career development was reflected in the varied challenges brought by pupils. They also valued recognition of success from their colleagues, but some felt pressured to apply for opportunities for career progression, which was contrasting to their actual career goals.