Equipment preferences of men and women employed in early childhood education

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Tom Gordon (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Rebecca M. Smith

Abstract: During the last four decades early childhood educators have stressed the importance of male workers entering the occupation. Claims have been made that both children and programs benefit from the presence of male caregivers. However, the actual percentage of men working with young children is very small and has not increased. While professionals have accepted, as a matter of faith, that the presence of male workers is beneficial, no empirical data support this claim. Research efforts have failed to document unique male contributions to the early childhood environment. The current study suggests that previous studies may have been measuring the wrong variables. The current study measured the different equipment and supply preferences of men and women working in the field of early childhood education. Participants were each given a booklet with 50 pictures of daycare equipment and supplies and requested to choose 15 items that they would like to use to supplement an already equipped classroom. A panel had previously rated these items on a 5 point scale from very feminine to very masculine. Participants were also requested to complete an education and experience survey as well as a Sex Role Preference scale.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1987
Subjects
Day care centers $x Employees
Day care centers $x Equipment and supplies
Sex role
Sex role in the work environment

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