Attitudes of Female Nurses Toward the Male Nurse: A Study of Occupational Segregation

This study analyzes questionnaire responses from 126 female nurses concerning their attitudes toward the male nurse. Multiple regression analysis is used to differentiate the attitudes of various subgroups of nurses. The employment of male nurses wasfound to be consistent with thefemale nurses' values, the vast majority of whom have positive attitudes toward the male nurse andfeel that more males should be encouraged to enter nursing. Sex was generally viewed as an irrelevant consideration in terms of the nursing role. However, there was some concern that employers may exhibit favoritism toward the males, thus making it more difficult forfemales to advance within their organization. Older nurses and nurses with more extensive contact with male nurses were found to have the most positive attitudes. Since there is no evidence here offemale resistance to male entry into nursing, the sex-typing of nursing is undoubtedly due to social, cultural and economic values that provide disincentivesfor males to enter this traditionally female occupation.