The enablers and constraints male learners experience when choosing hairdressing as a subject at the Western Cape school in South Africa

Abstract

Hairdressing has been a female-dominated sector, as males are underrepresented. This hairdressing sector has been seen as for women, hence this study. The current study sought to examine factors influencing male learners to pursue hairdressing as a school subject and skill. The gender schema theory guided the study. The study adopted a qualitative approach and purposefully interviewed twenty-six students from different schools. The results revealed a significant tension between society with its gender norms and what people to aspire among male learners in the hairdressing industry. Also, a clear dichotomy emerged in the motivations of male learners, with some driven by a passion for the art of hairdressing and others by the desire to master technical skills. Moreover, the findings revealed that peers often reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, either discouraging or questioning the legitimacy of hairdressing as a suitable career for men. However, the presence of male role models in the hairdressing industry significantly influences male learners' perceptions and aspirations. The study highlights the importance of visible, successful male figures in challenging stereotypes and providing inspiration. Against this background, it is recommended that there is a need to introduce policies that promote gender parity in the subjects chosen for careers. Incentive systems may also be adopted for under-represented females in certain fields of study.