Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Allegations have been made that female paramedics have been subject to sexism in the workplace. This study investigates everyday sexism as experienced by female paramedics. Everyday sexism is defined as sexism that occurs in everyday interactions. It presents itself in the form of gender stereotyping, derogatory or demeaning commentary, discriminatory or unfair treatment on the basis of gender, or as sexist or sexually objectifying language.
Aims:
1. To understand female paramedics’ experiences of everyday sexism in the workplace
2. To contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the gendered nature of paramedic culture and its impact on female paramedics.
3. To contribute to paramedic employer understanding of the impact of the experience of everyday sexism on well-being, job performance, and the career trajectory of female paramedics.
Methods:
Qualitative Study.
Female paramedic participants were recruited from ambulance services around Australia. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were undertaken via an online platform. Braun and Clarke's structured six-stage framework of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results:
This study found that female paramedics from a range of ambulance services around Australia had common experiences of sexism in the workplace regardless of state, ambulance service, rural or metropolitan station of work, years of experience, age, sexuality, or current rank. These common experiences included:-
Everyday Sexism
Gender Normative Behaviour and Expectations
Gender policing
Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Adaptation to Clinical Practice
Hierarchical Practices
Female Visibility
Conclusion: This research has provided further evidence to support the claims of some female paramedics that they have experienced everyday sexism, gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. This has had an effect on not only the way they practice and undertake patient care but has also negatively impacted their career progression and personal well-being.
Introduction: Allegations have been made that female paramedics have been subject to sexism in the workplace. This study investigates everyday sexism as experienced by female paramedics. Everyday sexism is defined as sexism that occurs in everyday interactions. It presents itself in the form of gender stereotyping, derogatory or demeaning commentary, discriminatory or unfair treatment on the basis of gender, or as sexist or sexually objectifying language.
Aims:
1. To understand female paramedics’ experiences of everyday sexism in the workplace
2. To contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the gendered nature of paramedic culture and its impact on female paramedics.
3. To contribute to paramedic employer understanding of the impact of the experience of everyday sexism on well-being, job performance, and the career trajectory of female paramedics.
Methods:
Qualitative Study.
Female paramedic participants were recruited from ambulance services around Australia. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were undertaken via an online platform. Braun and Clarke's structured six-stage framework of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results:
This study found that female paramedics from a range of ambulance services around Australia had common experiences of sexism in the workplace regardless of state, ambulance service, rural or metropolitan station of work, years of experience, age, sexuality, or current rank. These common experiences included:-
Everyday Sexism
Gender Normative Behaviour and Expectations
Gender policing
Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Adaptation to Clinical Practice
Hierarchical Practices
Female Visibility
Conclusion: This research has provided further evidence to support the claims of some female paramedics that they have experienced everyday sexism, gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. This has had an effect on not only the way they practice and undertake patient care but has also negatively impacted their career progression and personal well-being.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 14 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Nov 2022 |
| Event | 2022 Faculty of Science and Health HDR and Honours Symposium - Convention Centre - CSU Riverina, Wagga Wagga, Australia Duration: 24 Nov 2022 → 25 Nov 2022 https://science-health.csu.edu.au/research/hdr-honours-symposium (Symposium website) https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/4117345/FOSH-HDR-and-Honours-Symposium-2022-Program.pdf (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | 2022 Faculty of Science and Health HDR and Honours Symposium |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Wagga Wagga |
| Period | 24/11/22 → 25/11/22 |
| Other | 2022 Faculty of Science and Health HDR and Honours Symposium The Symposium is a great opportunity to extend peer networks and learn about the research that is being undertaken by our Higher Degree by Research and Honours students in the Faculty of Science and Health. The Symposium is back after a short hiatus and will provide HDR and Honours students an opportunity to showcase their research to their peers in a conference setting. It is also an opportunity to come together in person to meet with staff providing research support services, with supervisors and other students in a supportive environment. Students will present a ten minute seminar on their research, suitable for a non-specialist audience. This will be followed by five minutes of question time. The best HDR seminar and the best Honours seminar will be awarded a monetary prize to be used for professional development. A selection of posters will be presented on the day and will also compete for a monetary prize to be used for professional development. All Faculty of Science and Health HDR and Honours students will be invited to attend the event. |
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