Men in preschool: Asset or risk? : -

Our study aims to shed light on the uneven representation of male and female teachers in the Swedish preschool system, but also specifically male preschool teacher´s role in relation to a female dominated domain. Considering both parents and male preschool teacher´s perspektive, er condukted a quantitative survey aimed towards parents and a qualitative interview study aimed to male preschool teachers. The theoretical framework used to analyze our material were an intersectional and a phenomenograpic approach where we studied a variety of experiences and perspektives om what kind of role gender plays in preschool. Conclusions from our analysis show that male preschool teachers express a general discomfort performing intimate woek duties included in a preschool teacher+s job, worrying about parents´views on the risk of sexual abuse on their children, regarding the preschool teacher´s gender. Our study showed a general discomfort, but also a divided view from parents on the fact that male preschool teachers exist, but it was also concluded that gender should not be a deciding factor in what kind of duties a preschool teacher should be allowed to perform. The study contributes a wide perspektive on the problematic situation experienced by parents regarding male preschool teachers, but it also sheds light on the fundamental rigid gender norms, contributing further prejudice towards male preschool tachers.