Care for the Gap! – Where are the men in Primary and Elementary School Education?

The Austrian education and training and labour market are still characterised by a strong horizontal gender segregation. While the underrepresentation of women in male-dominated fields is and has already been the subject of numerous public and academic debates, the corresponding discussion on occupational and educational fields with a low proportion of men is only slowly gaining in importance.

Given this background, a data and literature review was conducted to determine which factors influence the underrepresentation of men in elementary and primary education. In particular, existing gender roles and stereotypes on a societal, institutional and individual level act as an obstacle. In addition, the low social and economic recognition of the professions and limited career opportunities are specific barriers in these occupational fields.

The complete results and possible approaches for action can be found in the final report of the study:

https://www.lrsocialresearch.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LR_careforthegap.pdf