How are men within organisations constrained by masculine stereotypes?How are men within organisations constrained by masculine stereotypes? Use examples of a specific organisation (not the name)...

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kplhardison's profile pic

Posted on

If I understand your question correctly, you are asking about ways in which men who are already employed by a business corporation are presently constrained (i.e., restricted, bound, held back, confined) by male stereotypes in specific (though unnamed) corporations. I can speak about this in two corporations in the securities industry.

Men are constrained by male stereotypes in corporations in this industry in that if they do not objectify women who work in the industry with them (from transaction clerks to assistants to female brokers to female agents), they are not afforded the respect and reputation other men attain. Men are also constrained by stereotype if they don't aggressively and single-mindedly, to the exclusion of courtesy and civility, pursue their objective of selling securities and building a massive client base. Without single-mindedness and drive, they are considered of inferior character and worthiness.

Aggressiveness is a key and highly valued trait in the securities industry. Men who don't model this trait in all facets--transactions, client associations, personal conversation, deportment, automobile choices, etc--are not given the credence others are. As a result, men may feel out of place, inadequate, unhappy (even if their job performance is high), and ostracized. Some can withstand and make top careers for themselves, gaining the private office with the window (where they have some protection from the opinions of others), yet many more let their discomfort and unhappiness with the environment steer them into other careers, even if that means getting more schooling.  

readerofbooks's profile pic

Posted on

In some ways, men have a harder time breaking into certain profession because of stereotypes. One such field is nursing. Even many men, who would make great nurses sometimes do not go into the field because of stereotypes. They feel that to care for people is more a feminine role. Society reinforces this as well.  

brettd's profile pic

Posted on

To this day, there is a much smaller percentage of women in management and ownership positions in major corporations and companies.  The age-old stereotype of men in these positions (not to mention in government, which is overwhelmingly white and male) is very stubborn in the United States.  While women have made great strides in the past few decades, there is a long way to go towards social and employment equity.

The converse is also true.  You find many fewer male nurses and receptionists, as well as far fewer stay at home dads.  These numbers have grown steadily since the 1960s, but at an incremental pace.


litteacher8's profile pic

Posted on

I once worked at a private school for executive-class families in a conservative, small urban area.  There was a first year teacher there who was the only male.  Many of the parents went to him with concerns and suggestions about the school, assuming that he would be the principal soon.  After all, there was a woman principal and he was the only male teacher, so he was more qualified, wasn't he?  Never mind the fact that he was a first year intern teacher.  He had not finished his degree or his teaching credential.  He had the one qualification that these people cared about: he was a man.

stolperia's profile pic

Posted on

In the United States at this moment, we are observing some negative ramifications of organizations like the Secret Service being almost exclusively male. Agents apparently made some very poor choices of activities while they were out of the country; is this because of stereotypical male hormones running wild?

booboosmoosh's profile pic

Posted on

I hope that I understand your question correctly.

In the military (which was once completely made up of males), the soldier who has most proven his bravery and leadership capabilities is promoted, given a special uniform, as well as insignia and medals, pins, etc., to commemorate the valiant behavior and respect afforded to that person.

Those who are of lower rank, without the same education, experience, skills, and recognition have very different uniforms—more basic ("working" attire), generally with less decorations, etc.

Those of higher rank are always afforded respect by salute and verbal recognition (as well as standing when one enters the room), etc., from those of lower rank.

rrteacher's profile pic

Posted on

In public education, teachers in lower grades are typically thought of as female. Many people who may be wonderful elementary-age teachers may be more reluctant to do so because of this stereotype. While I believe it is fading somewhat, and there is certainly no policy supporting it anywhere that I know of, it is still very present- I believe there is one male classroom teacher at my son's elementary school. 

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