Browsing by Subject "Ainokaisuus"

The labour market in Finland is segregated by gender, and it is rare to work in a place, where the number of men and women is even. The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to look at the effects of these segregated labour markets by studying the experiences of tokens. The main theory of this research is the token theory by Rosabeth Moss Kanter (1977). This theory depicts the roles and statuses that are repercussions of the token situation. In this research I will also analyze, how the token category of gender is present in the speech of the tokens. The research was based on four qualitative theme interviews of male kindergarten teachers. The length of the interviews was from 46 to 70 minutes. The research material of this is a discretionary sample. Studying male kindergarten teachers enabled examining token experiences, because teacher’s profession is strongly segregated by gender. The interviews were first transcribed, and the analyzed using a phenomenographic method with four stages of analysis. The token status is shown in the high visibility of the male kindergarten teachers. They are also often presumed to pose qualities and skills, which are typical to the category of their gender. The interviewees talked about surprised reactions, stereotypes that they face, gratitude and the benefits of being one of the few in their field. This treatment received as a token resulted in feelings of anxiety, irritation and indifference. The tokens described their work community in many ways, from empowering to feeling like an outsider. The interviewees had not often worked with other male kindergarten teachers. In contrast to the theoretical framework of the study, there were no signs of competition between the tokens in this research material. The attitude towards other tokens was positive. Segregation in the kindergarten teacher’s profession was described as a fact that the tokens are already aware of and do not need to be reminded of. In the material this was shown as a general assumption that all teachers in kindergarten are female, and also as the fact that the profession is very homogenous in terms of gender. The interviewed tokens had similar backgrounds, and they indicated many reasons for there being so few men working as kindergarten teachers. Gender roles in upbringing were addressed as different ways of acting between men and women, breaking of gender norms and gender-sensitive education.