In this paper, I focus on the problem of the lack of male nurses, especially in the care of the elderly. The issue is relevant, as nursing professionals are in short supply in Slovenia (Šajn Lekše in drugi, 2021, p. 175), while at the same time, the number of people over 65 and over 80 is increasing (SURS, 2009). The paper also examines the relationship between masculinity, femininity and the performance of nursing work in the context of elderly care and views of primary school children on nursing work, thus filling a gap in this research field in Slovenia.
An analysis of the opinions of Slovenian elementary school boys and girls shows that children often associate caring and household chores with women's work, more so than with men's work. Compared to girls, boys, in particular, believe that women should carry out caregiving tasks. The statistical analysis also showed that children are more likely to think that people over 65 years of age are more dependent, sick and dirty than people between 20 and 30 years old.
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