Dynamics of constructing a masculin

Dynamics of constructing a masculine identity within the profession
Each of the men in this study decided to work with young children on the basis of a
strong and well-articulated male identity. For example, Reidar (Norway) planned a
soccer career, Eli (Israel) served in the army, and Leon (UK) had played in a rock
band. Their entry into the profession entailed confronting the female ideal of kindergarten
teacher or nursery caregiver. Elton (US) spoke of his mentor practicum teacher:
‘She wore a linen skirt which never got dirty even though she did messy art projects
with the children, and she was very motherly.’ Likewise Levien (the Netherlands) compared
himself a female colleague: ‘She is the ultimate kindergarten teacher.’ The exception
to this romanticization was Reidar’s (Norway) emulation of a male role model, a
mentor caregiver in his first job.