PERCEPTION OF GENDER ROLES AND ITS INFLUENCEON CHOICE OF NURSING CAREER AMONG NURSING UNDERGRADUATES IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTIONIN EDO STATE
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Abstract
Nursing is a globally recognized female-dominated profession, with traditional gender stereotypes often shaping perceptions and career pathways. In cultural contexts like Edo State, Nigeria, these norms can significantly influence students' decisions to enter the field. This study aimed to examine the perception of gender roles and its influence on the choice of a nursing career among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, surveying 270 undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire covering demographics, perceptions of gender roles, factors influencing career choice, and open-ended questions. Data
were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (mean, SD), inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-tests), and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the primary motivators for choosing nursing were altruistic factors (a desire to help people) and pragmatic considerations (career stability), which ranked significantly higher than the influence of gender based perceptions. While students held egalitarian views on professional competence, they acknowledged that nursing is publicly perceived as a female-dominated profession. A significant gender difference was found (p < .05), with male students reporting that they face more challenges and stereotypes than their female peers. Qualitative analysis confirmed these challenges, highlighting themes of patient bias and social isolation. In conclusion, while gender stereotypes persist and negatively impact the student experience, particularly for males, they are not the primary drivers of career choice for this cohort. Students are motivated by passion and pragmatism, choosing the profession despite existing societal biases. The study recommends the
integration of gender-sensitivity modules into nursing curricula and the establishment of mentorship programs to better support all students navigating these professional challenges.
were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (mean, SD), inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-tests), and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the primary motivators for choosing nursing were altruistic factors (a desire to help people) and pragmatic considerations (career stability), which ranked significantly higher than the influence of gender based perceptions. While students held egalitarian views on professional competence, they acknowledged that nursing is publicly perceived as a female-dominated profession. A significant gender difference was found (p < .05), with male students reporting that they face more challenges and stereotypes than their female peers. Qualitative analysis confirmed these challenges, highlighting themes of patient bias and social isolation. In conclusion, while gender stereotypes persist and negatively impact the student experience, particularly for males, they are not the primary drivers of career choice for this cohort. Students are motivated by passion and pragmatism, choosing the profession despite existing societal biases. The study recommends the
integration of gender-sensitivity modules into nursing curricula and the establishment of mentorship programs to better support all students navigating these professional challenges.
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