Whataboutery? what about men in nursing and midwifery education?

Clifton, Andrew and Cushen-brewster, Noreen (2025) Whataboutery? what about men in nursing and midwifery education? In: Exploring Women’s Experiences in Higher Education. Routledge, London, England. ISBN 9781003486497

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Abstract

This chapter critically examines the position of men in nursing and midwifery education, addressing the often-raised question of ‘What about men?’ in discussions of gender representation. While men remain a minority in both professions, they are disproportionately represented in leadership roles and Higher Education, benefiting from structural advantages such as the ‘glass escalator’ effect. The chapter explores historical and contemporary roles of men in nursing and midwifery, the influence of socialisation on gendered career choices, and the enduring patriarchal structures that shape professional trajectories. Through a critical lens, the chapter interrogates whether men’s presence in these professions supports or undermines gender equity, considering the interplay of privilege, performative masculinity, and allyship. Drawing on feminist and intersectional perspectives, it argues that true equity requires structural change beyond numerical representation. The discussion ultimately invites reflection on how nursing and midwifery education can challenge entrenched inequalities while recognising the contributions of all professionals, regardless of gender.

Item Type: Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords: men in nursing and midwifery education, gender representation, the ‘glass escalator’ effect
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions: The School of Business, Arts, Social Sciences and Technology
Depositing User: David Upson-Dale
Date Deposited: 02 Oct 2025 15:55
Last Modified: 02 Oct 2025 15:55
URI: https://oars.uos.ac.uk/id/eprint/5162

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