‘Male Flight’—A Psychologist Explains Why Men Flee Female-Dominated Workplaces

A lot of people advocate for women to join predominantly male-dominated occupations. However, one question we forget to ask when encouraging women to enter STEM fields is that why aren't men pursuing careers in nursing, elderly care care or teaching?

For women to switch over from traditionally “feminine” to more “masculine” job roles is often seen as acceptable, and in many cases, even admirable. But can we say the same for men in caregiving roles?

“Male flight” is a well-documented phenomenon where men who enter female-dominated professions often leave these roles at significantly higher rates. These men, termed "stopgappers," typically treat such jobs as temporary stops rather than long-term careers, rarely transitioning to other female-dominated fields. But why does this happen? What drives men away from these professions?

This behaviour could be born out of the following three reasons.

1. The Trap Of ‘Gender Essentialism’

One key factor to blame could be gender essentialism, the belief that men and women are inherently suited to different roles. This mindset influences both career choices and hiring decisions, reinforcing the idea that certain jobs—like caregiving or teaching—are “feminine” and thus less appropriate for men.

For many men, this societal expectation creates a psychological barrier, which prevents them from even considering these professions. And those who do venture into these professions often exhibit internalized embarrassment.

“I liked being with children in the nursery and the women there said I could do this [job] as well as them. I wasn't sure and they kept on at me. They actually got me the application form and one day locked me in a room… I had to fill the form in just to get home,” said one male nurse as part of a 2006 study published in Journal of Gender Studies which explored the reasons why some men end up taking up roles traditionally “meant for women.”

While intended to spark humor, this anecdote captures acutely the inner resistance and shame men might face when considering a traditionally feminine job, especially when they have a natural talent for it. On the employer's side, this bias can result in fewer opportunities for men in these roles.

2. The Double Bind Of Masculinity

Even when men enter female-dominated professions, they often face significant gender-specific pressures, which could push them out of such roles. In many workplaces, expectations of masculinity conflict with the nature of these roles, creating a “double bind”.

If men assert traditional masculine traits—such as being authoritative or career-driven—they may be seen as unsuitable for caregiving roles. On the other hand, adopting a nurturing or empathetic approach can lead to stigmatization, with their masculinity or sexuality being scrutinized. These pressures discourage men from fully integrating into such professions, pushing them to leave the moment the opportunity presents itself.

Interestingly, while men in female-dominated fields often benefit from "token" status—receiving higher pay, faster promotions and being perceived as ambitious—they still face social stigma and emotional challenges. This mix of privilege and alienation creates a complicated experience that many prefer to avoid altogether.

3. The Pay Gap Push

Men may leave women-dominated roles in search of higher status and better income. Those with families often face increased pressure to secure higher-paying jobs to provide for their loved ones.

A 2021 study, which looked at data from married and cohabiting couples in 29 countries, found that when men lose their jobs, couples who strongly believe in traditional male-breadwinner roles are 32% more likely to break up. This is even more common in married couples, showing how societal pressures on men can put extra stress on relationships during hard financial times.

Professions like nursing, aged care and early childhood education are traditionally undervalued and underpaid, especially compared to STEM or tech-related careers. In times of rising living costs, many men prioritize financial stability over the societal push for gender balance in these roles. This economic incentive drives men to leave female-dominated professions and contribute to the growing issue of male flight.

When men exit female-dominated workplaces, it often leads to an even greater concentration of women in those fields. This can reinforce the "glass ceiling" effect, limiting career growth opportunities for women. It may also result in a lack of diverse perspectives and experiences, which can affect team dynamics and problem-solving.

Additionally, men leaving these professions can contribute to the perception of such workplaces as "feminine," further discouraging male participation in these fields. However, the psychological and social impact on men who leave these roles to pursue other careers remains unclear.

At the end of the day, does it really matter which roles are considered feminine and which are not? It’s understandable to feel like you might be letting some people down with your decisions, especially if they had other plans for you—this includes your parents. But it’s your life to live, and ultimately, it comes down to what role brings you true satisfaction.

Do you strongly believe that professional and personal roles are influenced by gender? Take this Gender Role Beliefs Scale to find out.