Social Work as Women's Work: Census Data 1976‑1986

Abstract

Social work was stereotyped as women's work until more men began to enter it in the late 1960s. But the sex balance has swung back according to census data. Among those stating social work as their occupation, the proportion of men declined from one-third to one-quarter between 1976 and 1986. The total number of social workers also declined between 1981 and 1986. The apparent male exodus from social work may be because men have left, or been promoted to managers, or prefer to avoid a perceived gender stereotype in the title social worker. The social work profession once again has a problem with sex segregation and gender stereotyping in the labour market.