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.