Men Who Care: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Situation of Men Working in the Care for the Elderly

Demographic changes and the frequently reported nursing shortage in the gerontological field necessitate efforts recruiting more male nurses. The image of nursing as a female profession with bad reputation hinders these endeavors. Hence, empirical investigations are crucial. The present study analyses career choices as well as potential barriers to entering the field of nursing. Furthermore, the sex role orientation of female and male nurses is highlighted. A mixed methods design is used combining a qualitative interview study (n = 13) and a quantitative survey ( n = 115). The results indicate that men are driven by social motives and by survival motives (e.g., job security). Negative reactions from family and friends are frequently reported. Men caring for the elderly are confronted with the stereotype of homosexuality or of nursing as an exclusively female profession. Contrary to the public opinion of male nurses as "unmanly" men (Evans & Frank, 2003), the respondents impute masculine attributes to a higher extent to themselves than feminine attributes. The results can be used in campaigns enhancing the image of nursing and recruiting more men for the gerontological field.