“I am only doing my job”- Caring Masculinities by Swedish Men as Preschool Teachers

Abstract

Caring masculinities as a theoretical framework has emphasized the rejection of dominance in traditional masculinities, and rather embraced values of care, such as interdependence, relationality, and emotions (Elliott, 2016). These values of care are central in care work, which has historically been work mainly performed by women. The number of men in caring professions such as early childhood education and care (ECEC) remain low, therefore, it makes it an interesting research topic to explore when it comes to incorporating caring values in masculine identity constructions. Previous research has focused on men and care within the family, therefore, by expanding the research to men in a caring profession contributes to developing the theory further. This study, through interviewing 12 men who work in preschools in Sweden, has found that the men can inhabit caring masculinities. However, to be considered and viewed as being part of caring masculinities, the men need to be accepted in their role by others. Therefore, caring masculinities are conditional and dependent on other persons to accept men in this gender position. Furthermore, there is a discussion on the cost and privileges men who enter a caring profession encounter and deal with at their workplace which can also influence how their identity is constructed.