Feminization of the physiotherapy profession? Results from a single-center cross-sectional study

Introduction:
The concept of feminization of a profession can be described as an over-representation of women in any given occupation. This phenomenon can be analyzed both statistically and in a broader social context. Nearly three-quarters of professionally active physiotherapists are women. However, the literature on the feminization of the physiotherapy profession is limited; therefore, this work was exploratory.

Aim:
The overall aim was to determine whether statistical feminization affects the image of the profession in the minds of those who practice it and to clarify what factors influence its shape.

Material and methods:
A group of 189 people (132 women, 57 men): physiotherapy professionals, and students participated in the study. The research tool was an original questionnaire made available online.

Results:
Some physiotherapists declared that they receive comments on gender characteristics, and most often, they are related to external features – at the same time, most often presenting the content on stereotypes related to masculinity with positive valorization. The stereotypical image of a good physiotherapist functioning among the respondents is more masculine, and socio-political attitudes are a differentiating factor: for liberals, this image is more masculine, and for conservatives, it is more feminine.

Conclusions:
Gender is a variable that affects the experiences of Polish hysiotherapists. Despite the preponderance of women, the functioning stereotype is rather masculine.