Sexism in a primarily female dominated field

Nurses Relations

Published

Now.....maybe I'm just bring a "woman" but sometimes I feel like my female higher ups give preference to the two male nurses on my unit rather then me and the other female nurse. It seems outrageous that this would happen in this female dominated field but I can't seem to shake it off. Believe me, I love working with these guys but give me a break, they r not the "golden boys" they make them out to be. Anyone else experience this?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Is it possible that the males you work with are just more assertive? I've noticed that people who make their requirements known in an assertive manner are more likely to be accommodated regardless of sex.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Actually, I have encountered this a lot - in all types of settings. There is actually quite a bit of social psych research on the subject. As PP stated, the fact that males are naturally more assertive does play a part and it starts early. Over the past 20 years, studies of elementary school teachers (predominately female) revealed that they acknowledged/paid more attention to boys in the class (When boys get more classroom attention than girls | Dr. David Sortino).

Effective training and preparation for managers can help to eliminate bias, but this type of education has fallen prey to the budget axe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

it is anthropologic, need to be consciously aware to change.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Inpatient Oncology/Public Health.

Yes, definitely happening on my floor. Brand new male nurses being given preference with things like holidays off etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.

I haven't noticed being given any special treatment on my floor other than the affection of the nurses whose sons I remind them of. I am preferentially gifted with the sometimes violent alcohol withdraw patients though, so that's a plus /sarcasm/. I have noticed in my short life that human beings (male and female) will try to come up with any excuse to rationalize why they aren't being treated the way they believe they deserve to be treated - see Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have read crime and punishment not quite the same thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Yes, it happens. I'm always shocked, though, at how many misogynists there are in nursing. That, I think, is very sad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cvicu/ ICU/ ED/ Critical Care.

You know... I had a nice long diatribe written about all the extra things I do, the time spent honing my craft and all the time lost with my family so I can help others by picking up shifts for them, or extra classes and certs to stay ahead and knowledgeable. All of that ending with a nice bit of sarcasm about how wonderful it is to have all my achievements brushed off by others who attribute my success to my genitalia and not my effort.

But I’m not going to bother. I will merely say this; only 9% of nursing is male, if you think every bit of our achievement is due to that which dangles betwixt mine or their legs… Well then that’s a shame.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

not even. check out post #4. and remember, it is very hard to see yourself/your situation as others see you/it. We have had this discussion inre to race, and at least a couple of our AA members have reminded us that it isn't in our purview to say that they are not being discriminated against.

You know... I had a nice long diatribe written about all the extra things I do, the time spent honing my craft and all the time lost with my family so I can help others by picking up shifts for them, or extra classes and certs to stay ahead and knowledgeable. All of that ending with a nice bit of sarcasm about how wonderful it is to have all my achievements brushed off by others who attribute my success to my genitalia and not my effort.

But I'm not going to bother. I will merely say this; only 9% of nursing is male, if you think every bit of our achievement is due to that which dangles betwixt mine or their legs... Well then that's a shame.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.
not even. check out post #4. and remember it is very hard to see yourself/your situation as others see you/it.[/quote']

Logically, this sentiment works in both directions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

yup, but THIS thread was about women discriminating against other women for men, so that is the subject we are addressing. As I said up thread, it is anthropologic, and unless it is acknowledged it will continue and both the woman doing the discriminating and the man getting the advantage, won't see it or recognize it for what it is.

Logically, this sentiment works in both directions.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment