Men in non-traditional occupations: Career entry, career orientation and experience of role strain

Abstract

This paper sets out to explore the experiences of men in non-traditional occupations. In particular it focuses on the dynamics of career entry, career orientation (i.e. preference for intrinsic or extrinsic rewards) and the possible existence, nature and consequences of ‘role strain’. Four occupational groups are examined: nurses, cabin crew, librarians and primary school teachers. Results suggest that men fall into three main categories: seekers (who actively chose the ‘female’ occupation), ‘finders’ (who did not actively seek a non-traditional career but who found the occupation in the process of making general career decisions) and settlers (who actively chose the occupation, often as a result of dissatisfaction with a more ‘masculine’ job, and who then settled in their non-traditional career). Settlers in particular are associated with a more intrinsic career orientation and express a desire to remain close to occupational and professional practice. Role strain is prevalent in men’s experiences in their non-traditional career. The potential sources of such role strain and the implications for career aspirations and career choices are explored.