Relationally Oriented Masculinity, Gender Nontraditional Interests, and Occupational Traditionality of Employed Men

Abstract

This study explores the degree to which emotional and relationally oriented aspects of masculinity and gender nontraditional vocational interests predict the gender traditionality of employed men’s occupations. Participants include 166 men employed in a range of occupations from gender nontraditional (i.e., female dominated) to gender neutral to gender traditional (i.e., male dominated). Results reveal that employment in more traditionally male-dominated occupations is related to the expression of more homophobic attitudes and less social interests. The results imply that men’s interest in and comfort with interpersonal activities and interactions, especially interactions with homosexual individuals, may influence their occupational choices.