Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the construction of care as a profession among men. By analyzing men´s ideas about care work, we will explore the transformations that they may introduce to the current caregiving culture that naturalizes care provision on the basis of gendered kinship ties.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the construction of care as a profession among men. Care has been traditionally undertaken by families and it has been predominantly a feminine responsibility. This has led to a naturalization of care as feminine and unpaid labour which set the basis for its low social value and difficulties to acknowledge it as work. As a result, it is a highly feminized occupational sector with poor working conditions.

Within the framework of a broader research study on male caregivers carried out in Catalonia (Spain), we have focused our attention on men employed in long-term paid care work. Even though their involvement is not yet mainstream, it is highly significant. We believe these men have established an employment niche that was previously occupied by women, overcoming gender barriers and contributing to the masculinisation of care work, at least to a limited extent.

We consider that the incorporation of men to this occupational sector needs to be further investigated by examining whether it can promote greater recognition for care work and contribute to its professionalization. By analyzing men´s ideas about their involvement in care work, we will explore the transformations that these men may introduce to the current caregiving culture that naturalizes care provision on the basis of gendered kinship ties.