Exploring Gender Disparities in Career Advancement Opportunities in the Nursing Profession

Posted: Oct 26, 2023

• Gabriel Perry
• Gavin Russell
• Gianna Foster

Abstract

The nursing profession represents a compelling paradox in gender equity studies. While nursing remains predominantly female, comprising approximately 88% of the workforce, our investigation builds upon but significantly extends existing research by introducing novel theoretical frameworks that account for the intersection of professional norms, organizational structures, and gendered expectations in healthcare environments. The nursing profession provides a unique context for examining how gender operates when numerical dominance does not translate into proportional representation in leadership positions. Previous studies have documented the 'glass escalator' phenomenon for men in female-dominated professions, but these analyses have often overlooked the complex trade-offs and professional tensions experienced by male nurses, as well as the multifaceted barriers facing female nurses seeking advancement. This study addresses three primary research questions that have received limited attention in the existing literature. First, how do institutional practices and organizational structures create divergent career pathways for male and female nurses with equivalent qualifications and experience? Second, what are the specific mechanisms through which implicit gender biases operate in mentorship allocation, assignment distribution, and promotion decisions within nursing hierarchies? Third, how do male and female nurses navigate these environments.