This book addresses the global ‘feminised’ pattern of gender and teaching where men are in a minority, especially in work with younger children. Leading contributors raise critical questions about men’s continuing reluctance to engage in this type of work, the construction of masculinities, the influence of public debates, fears about ‘dangerous men’, and the connection with homophobia.

This wide-ranging and exhaustively researched text adopts a critical approach to the weary prescription that we need more men to be male role models. Bringing a refreshing and positive set of perspectives to this debate, the contributors argue that the greater involvement of men within teaching and associated caring professions has the potential to transform gender relations for future generations. Chapters also consider whether it matters that men are less engaged than women in the professional work associated with bringing up the next generation.

This stimulating book sets out to critically explore the notion of men, masculinities and teaching in early childhood education. It addresses the global pattern of gender, teaching and care where men are in the minority, and explores the notion that the greater involvement of men within teaching and associated professions has the potential to transform gender relations for future generations.

International contributors raise critical questions about the construction of masculinities, the continuing reluctance of men to engage in this type of work, and the influence of political and public debates on the issue. Through this engaging discussion readers are asked to question whether this is something that we should care about, with key topics including:

• The roles of men in education and care
• Teachers’ beliefs, norms and values of gender equality
• The construction of male identities
• Gendered ideals, and children’s interpretations of gender.

Men, Masculinities and Teaching in Early Childhood Education brings together a refreshing and critical set of perspectives linked to an increasingly important educational debate and will be a valuable text for practitioners, professionals, policy makers and parents/carers.