Hombres en trabajos de cuidado: género, identidad profesional y cultura del trabajo

In the present article we present the initial results of an ongoing investigation into male participation in the care of adults in situations of dependency. Specifically, we analyse the experiences and perceptions of men professionally employed as paid care workers in organisations that operate in various sectors of the economy, including social services, health, home care and, even, the hotel sector. We believe that given the current collapse in long-term care provision, which forms part of the so-called 'care crisis', there should be greater involvement of men both in the family and professional setting and this is therefore the focus of the present study. Understanding the circumstances by which men enter these jobs, how they experience their work in relation to their gender and the cultural and employment barriers that limit or enable men to enter into paid care work will help strengthen their involvement.