The gender-related experience of frontline Israeli male social workers

Abstract

Summary This article aims to further research on diversity within social work. It examines the gender-related experiences of frontline Israeli male social workers who practice within the context of a female-oriented profession. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted in order to explore gender-related experiences as social work practitioners, within the context of participants’ life stories. Findings Three themes were identified as central in the interface between social work and gender: (a) the struggle involved in choosing the social work profession; (b) social work as a home for their emotional life; and (c) the complexities of coping with a female-dominated profession. Findings are discussed within the context of masculinity, highlighting the continual process of adaptation and renewal of masculinity in the male social workers professional development. Applications Recommendations are provided for social work academic institutions and agencies to further assist males on this important journey.