How many men do you know majoring in Education here at Houghton? How many women do you know majoring in Physics? How many male nurses have you encountered in hospitals or at other universities? How many women have you seen in vocational ministry?
According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, out of all of the women participating in the labor force, 36% work in educational and health services, while only 10.9% of men. These occupations and careers may include teaching at the elementary, middle school, high school or collegiate level, nursing, social assistance, ambulatory work, or other hospital positions.
Is this statistic strongly affected by stereotypes that our culture has placed on these occupations?
Males and females have different strengths and weaknesses and also many similar strengths and weaknesses. We should not categorize men and women into these gender-stereotyped roles that diminish the abilities of both sexes.
The ability to teach and nurture does not fall solely on women and the gift in science or math related careers does not fall solely on men. Men have the ability to be effective and influential teachers; they just are not often seen in that role.
According to writer, Motoko Rich’s, article in the September 6th, 2014 New York Times, “Why Don’t More Men Go Into Teaching?” with so few men currently in teaching, other men may be less inclined to view it as a desirable option.
At Houghton, we should be encouraging men to teach.
After meeting Mandy Smith this past week, the lack of women in vocational ministry seems more obvious and it is a shame. Mandy Smith is a full-time pastor for University Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her gentle and introverted personality is not often seen in vocational ministry, nor is her female gender.
Smith not only highlights her femininity but is also not afraid to address her weakness in front of her congregation and the members of her church. She welcomes support and encouragement from her church and does not put a façade up of having everything together for their benefit. This is a unique approach to pastoring but her church has embraced what Mandy Smith has to offer them. Her wisdom, intelligence, and passion for Christ and His mission are never sold short when she speaks.
Exceptions to typical female or male dominated careers, like Mandy, are proof of how we can see both genders succeeding in a variety of occupations. With a variety of skills to offer, men and women should be exploring all of their career options.
In a community like Houghton, our closeness helps us see each others’ strengths and weaknesses. Let people know what strengths you see in them and encourage one another to pursue their passions, without stereotypes.
Our openness to explore all career options, no matter the gender, could end up being very attractive to prospective students. We should vocalize it in our promotion for our school. If they see willingness for men in education or women in physics, maybe that will influence prospective students to not only attend Houghton but to be stretched in a different way than their gender is used to. Letting social norms stop us is not a good enough reason to keep you from doing what you love.