Desafios e barreira enfrentados pelos homens na pedagogia: foco na educação infantil

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges and barriers faced by men in pedagogy, focusing on early childhood education, an area historically dominated by women. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were obtained from the coordination of the Pedagogy course at UFRN, revealing low male representation but with increasing trends over the years. Qualitative interviews with male educators and questionnaires applied to teachers provided valuable insights into the prejudices and stigmas faced, as well as the positive impacts of male presence on child development. The analysis shows that, despite advancements, gender stereotypes remain significant obstacles. It concludes that deconstructing these stereotypes and promoting an inclusive educational environment are crucial to valuing professionals' competence regardless of gender. Future studies should explore strategies to encourage male participation and analyze families' and children's perceptions of male educators.