"Not something I would sit down over a beer and talk to a guy about!" : male medical social workers, the lived experience
Date
2003
Authors
Young, Martin Allan
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Abstract
Men in social work, is a topic that has been little theorized and largely ignored. The small number of men in the field and the tasks mainly identified as feminine, categorize it as a non-traditional occupation for men. In this study the experience of being male and a medical social workers is explored. The role is considered to be multifaceted where on one hand men are afforded more opportunities and cooperation than their female colleagues. On the other hand there are disadvantages associated with it. This study supports previous studies, which identifies male social workers as ' different,' including how the work is interpreted and conducted. Findings indicate that the experience is all encompassing, paradoxical, and difficult to talk about. Identifying this experience informs and challenges existing theories regarding men in non-traditional occupations.