Masculinities in Social Care : Exploring Gender-Sensitive and Male-Specific Practices in Finland
Tunkkari, Reece; Vilpponen, Riikka (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604146410
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604146410
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examined how male-specific services in Finland addressed the evolving needs and experiences of masculinity. The thesis objectives were to explore how masculinity affected help-seeking behaviour and professional practice, while contributing to the development of gender competence in social services education. The study was based in gender-sensitive framework, drawing on Connell’s theory of masculinities, identifying masculinity as socially constructed. The target group was professionals in male-specific services, approached using purposive sampling.
A qualitative approach was used for this study, and the data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using content analysis to reduce, cluster, and abstract the data. The findings indicated that masculinity was diverse and evolving, while traditional norms continued to influence expressions of vulnerability and help-seeking. Indirect communication and behavioural cues were emphasized in professional practice. The results suggest that gender-sensitive approaches supported more successful engagement with male clients. The findings can then be applied to working life practice and education to strengthen gender competence and understanding of diverse client needs.
A qualitative approach was used for this study, and the data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using content analysis to reduce, cluster, and abstract the data. The findings indicated that masculinity was diverse and evolving, while traditional norms continued to influence expressions of vulnerability and help-seeking. Indirect communication and behavioural cues were emphasized in professional practice. The results suggest that gender-sensitive approaches supported more successful engagement with male clients. The findings can then be applied to working life practice and education to strengthen gender competence and understanding of diverse client needs.