When it comes to being a man in any society, be it in Africa, Nigeria or, at this point, even space, men have always been expected to embody the tough guy role. A man is expected to be strong, powerful, covered in oil, soot and soil as he wrestles with a crocodile while being able to guzzle a barrel of beer and fight off wild cats by the sound of his roar and the flex of his muscles. He is expected to never cry, never be seen as soft, should never have a soft voice (yes mountains should quake every time he says hi) and so much more. In regards to work, men embodying feminine roles unfortunately can be seen as weak to those who have an unhinged societal perception of what type of work a man should do in order to be seen, heard, recognised and respected as a man. Here’s the thing…that is ludicrous because work is work as far as you can do it well and get paid for it. Why are certain jobs deemed feminine? Why are men who take up those roles seen as closeted gays and not just him being comfortable in who he is and how he makes money?
Well as always, if you are new to reading any article I have written, welcome to that article section that gives you alternative insights and perspectives into daily societal cases and issues, while teaching you how to either appreciate scenarios or possibly prevent them. To the regulars, having you here is always a plus. So let’s dive right into it, shall we, into the wonders of exploring masculine work experiences in the supposed feminine world, why people object to it and the way forward, because, honestly, if she can, so can he.
As the working gap keeps closing and people are more open minded towards diverse financial freedom, in recent years, there has been a notable and significant shift in the workforce as more and more men are stepping into traditionally female-dominated fields. This societal and cultural shift has now consistently sparked debates and discussions about gender roles and societal expectations. Many may view this as a threat to traditional masculinity, while others truly believe that it is, in fact, a positive step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse society (as true society should be).
As mentioned earlier, men are stepping into traditionally female dominated roles such as:
1. Nursing
The strength of a man can now be paired with the tenderness of a woman’s touch while respectively caring for the ill in mind and body. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, male nurses are breaking stereotypes and finding fulfilling and lucrative careers in nursing.
2. Makeup artist and nail technician
Look let us not pretend that the men aren’t doing an amazing job. I for one love seeing men make magic out of colours and textures as modern day Picassos. As much as people would egg them saying it is girlish or gay, men can and are allowed to work in the same space as women and probably do it better (My nails can definitely testify).
3. Elementary education
With a great mind comes a great responsibility to impact knowledge. More men are entering the field of elementary education, bringing much needed diversity and valuable perspectives to the education system while inspiring young students. I don’t think teaching should be seen as more feminine but more inclusive.
4. Childcare
As more men pursue careers in childcare and early childhood education, they provide a much needed positive male role model for young children and contribute to the nurturing of future generations, especially those without father figures at home.
5. Event planning and coordination
Men entering this traditionally female-dominated field bring new creativity and innovation, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship and career growth.
6. Cooking and baking
Score one thousand points as part of the finest husband material if he can cook or bake. There is something positively alluring watching a man cook, bake and serve.
THE PUSHBACKS
Thanks to the internet and its border crossing abilities many men are stepping confidently into more roles that make them more appealing rather than repulsive. As much as these roles are now more open and available, some still refuse to accept them even if their financial benefits were in millions. We must understand that for anything to thrive in society, there will always be pros and cons. So before we ponder on the positive aspects of this shift, it is important to first try to understand where the fear and rejection of this shift may stem from.
I understand many may roll their eyes and simply say people need to catch up to the times, yet like everything in life one must first understand why there is a push back in order to ensure as well as embrace a positive future reaction. Below are a few negative views most may have (bear in mind this may or may not reflect your thinking; this is an opinion and should be respected)
1. Threat to traditional masculinity
Patriarchal societies often view men in traditionally female-dominated jobs as a threat to the conventional image of masculinity, which is deeply entrenched in societal norms.
2. Stigmatisation and ridicule
Men who choose “women’s” jobs may face stigmatization and ridicule from peers and society at large, perpetuating toxic masculinity and gender bias.
3. Economic inequality
Some patriarchal societies may undervalue traditionally female-dominated jobs, leading to lower pay and fewer opportunities for men in these fields (because why pay a person for their skill when you can slap on some archaic patriarchal mindset on it, and call it a day).
4. Misconceptions about skill
There is a misconception that jobs considered “feminine” require less skill or strength, which can lead to men facing skepticism about their abilities in these roles (because if he is not biting a bear while lifting an elephant, he is not man enough?).
5. Social isolation
Men working in female-dominated fields may experience social isolation and a lack of support due to the deeply ingrained gender biases in their communities.
So like it was earlier mentioned for every con, there must be some sort of pro that can help foster understanding and acceptance.
1. Diversification of skills
By embracing traditionally female-dominated jobs, men contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing a wider range of skills and perspectives to these fields.
2. Breaking gender stereotypes
Men excelling in “women’s” jobs challenge the traditional gender norms and stereotypes, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.
3. Increased empathy and understanding
Working in traditionally female-dominated fields can foster greater empathy and understanding between genders, leading to more collaborative and supportive work environments.
4. Economic empowerment
Embracing diverse job opportunities allows men to seek more flexible financial freedom, breaking away from the limitations imposed by societal expectations.
5. Professional fulfillment
Happiness and a sense of fulfilment are always a plus. Men who pursue careers in traditionally female-dominated fields often find a sense of fulfilment in their work, contributing to their overall well-being and satisfaction.
ADVANTAGES OF MASTERING TRADE SKILLS
While we can discuss how it can positively change a man, I believe starting from childhood can have more societal benefits. By integrating technical or creative skills into children’s schooling, this can be very crucial for preparing the next generation of men for success as part of the ever-evolving workforce.
1. Technical skills and boundaries
Introducing technical skill education to children breaks down gender-based boundaries by encouraging both boys and girls to explore and master a wide range of practical skills. By learning carpentry, baking, dress-making, or other creative skills, children develop the confidence to pursue their interests without being confined by societal expectations or gender norms.
2. Entrepreneurship and financial independence
Encouraging children to develop technical skills can lead to the discovery of their entrepreneurial potential. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, children can learn how to leverage their technical talents to create their own businesses, thus paving the way for financial independence beyond traditional nine-to-five jobs.
3. Self-expression and craftsmanship
Through technical training, children have the opportunity to develop and express their creativity in tangible and impactful ways. Whether it is weave making, cake baking, graphic design, or lash installment etc., having creative skills empower children to manifest their creativity and vision, setting a foundation for self-expression and craftsmanship.
CONCLUSION
The learning and practice of more creative skills as part of early education positively play a vital role in empowering children to become well-rounded, skilled individuals who are capable of harnessing their creativity, embracing entrepreneurship, and contributing positively to society. Embracing technical skills as a valuable part of education benefits not just a child’s personal growth but career prospects, and overall well-being. So as we see more of the positive shift towards men excelling in traditionally female-dominated jobs as a positive and progressive step towards dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity is achieved, we must now encourage men to pursue careers based on their interests and skills, regardless of traditional gender norms, I believe this will lead to a more diverse, empathetic, and empowered society. It’s time to redefine masculinity and celebrate the valuable contributions of men in all professions. So as always till next time, bye.
