Masculinity and Safety among EMTs and slaughterhouse workers

Abstract

This article addresses the relation between masculinity and safety at work. The overall objective is to examine the relationship between masculinity and safety among men in the two industries characterized by a high accident ratio (Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and slaughter- house workers). The research question is how masculinity – that is the ways of being a man – affects attitudes and practices related to risk and safety. Terms such as ‘The Tarzan- and John Wayne syndrome’ are often used to refer to certain forms of masculinity associated with boldness, courage, physical strength and ‘hardness’. These forms of masculinity are often described as ‘traditional’. In this article, we ask how such traditional forms of masculinity may affect men’s working environment through gender specific attitudes to safety and risk-taking? We also ask: How widespread such traditional ideals are, and whether they are challenged today by alternative ways of being a man? Finally, we ask: How are these alternative ideals expressed in the workplace culture? Empirically, the article is based on two studies: Firstly, a quantitative survey among EMT’s and slaughterhouse workers, which measures the prevalence of traditional masculinity ideals among men in the two sectors as well as the impact of these ideals on the men’s safety behavior. Secondly, a qualitative analysis based on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with male EMTs in two major departments in Denmark. This part explores how EMTs construct new and alternative masculinities which allow them to work safely without jeopardizing their masculinity. Based on these analyses, the article concludes by discussing the relationship between masculinity and safety practices as well as perspectives for future research in the field.