Men who are Dietitians: Deconstructing Gender within the Profession to Inform Recruitment

Abstract

Purpose: In Canada, few men are dietitians. Literature is sparse regarding why so few men are drawn to dietetics. This study, part of a larger qualitative study, explores the experiences of men who are dietitians throughout their training and careers using a phenomenology framework. The study examines the meanings participants make about dietetics in relation to recruitment.Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews with 6 men who are dietitians were completed, transcribed, and analyzed.Results: An overarching theme, “experiences and outcomes of a gendered profession”, was related to the participants’ perspectives concerning recruitment into the dietetic profession. Four sub-themes are reported: (i) societal gender division, (ii) gender division within the profession, (iii) isolation from men who are mentors and other men, and (iv) the need to deconstruct and change. The results provide insight into recruitment barriers and potential approaches for increasing the number of men within dietetics, including changing the perceptions of the profession, increasing role models for men, and dismantling gendered practices.Conclusion: Participants believed that increasing men within dietetics would be beneficial and would increase diversity. It is unlikely that recruitment of men will increase if the status quo and gender norms of the profession are not disrupted and challenged.