Men’s Participation in Jordan’s Early Childhood Education and Care Sector: Barriers, Opportunities, and Policy Directions

This paper examines men’s participation in Jordan’s paid care economy, focusing on early childhood education and care (ECEC), a sector historically dominated by women. It investigates the social, cultural, and structural barriers limiting male involvement, including gender norms, parental expectations, limited career pathways, and professionalisation gaps. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines literature review, key informant interviews with policymakers and educators, and a survey of public attitudes to provide a comprehensive understanding of factors shaping male engagement. Findings reveal that societal perceptions are the primary obstacle, while professionalisation, improved working conditions, and targeted policies could attract more men to the sector. The paper underscores the potential benefits of increased male participation, including workforce diversification, enhanced service quality, and more equitable distribution of care work. Policy recommendations emphasise training, certification, awareness campaigns, and incentives aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision to promote gender-inclusive workforce development.