Male participation in early childhood development programmes with specific reference to kindergartens: the case of Oshana region
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Date
2005
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Abstract
A research paper submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the masters degree in public policy and administration (MPPA)
The study focused on male participation in Early Childhood Development Programmes with specific reference to kindergarten in the Oshana Region. Data was collected from the national, regional and local levels through face-to-face interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions
The study was conducted mainly to investigate public perceptions and attitudes regarding the participation of men in Early Childhood Development Programmes; to determine the level of male participation in kindergarten; to determine whether current ongoing Early Childhood Development Programmes take into account gender concerns; to determine the factors that serve as a constraint to male participation in Early Childhood Development Programmes and to make recommendations in order to enhance male participation in kindergartens
The demand for childcare has become more acute as parents continue to seek safe and affordable places to leave their children while at work. However, the main concern is that fathers, generally, in their capacity as men, are excluded from having a positive impact on their children's lives despite the worldwide growing awareness that gender issues have to be integrated into development policies, plans and programmes
The study confirmed that there were fewer men than women involved in kindergarten activities. In this regard, the study revealed various factors that could prevent men from participating in early childhood development for which immediate resolution appears unattainable, and which can have significant implications for male participation in kindergarten. For example, culture and traditional beliefs have been found to have the most dominating influence on how people perceive male participation in kindergarten. These beliefs are rooted in the traditional division of labor between men and women. In this particular case, women still assume more responsibility for caring for children while men take primary responsibility for providing economic security to the family. Thus, it is believed that the presence of men in kindergarten would help change the traditional gender roles that are upheld by society
Studies on childcare have shown that men and women are equally nurturing when they experience extended contact with their children during infancy and early childhood. Thus, the kindergarten level is important because socialization on gender issues takes place at this level
The study concludes by offering a number of recommendations that could encourage equal participation of men and women in ECDPS and kindergartens
The study focused on male participation in Early Childhood Development Programmes with specific reference to kindergarten in the Oshana Region. Data was collected from the national, regional and local levels through face-to-face interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions
The study was conducted mainly to investigate public perceptions and attitudes regarding the participation of men in Early Childhood Development Programmes; to determine the level of male participation in kindergarten; to determine whether current ongoing Early Childhood Development Programmes take into account gender concerns; to determine the factors that serve as a constraint to male participation in Early Childhood Development Programmes and to make recommendations in order to enhance male participation in kindergartens
The demand for childcare has become more acute as parents continue to seek safe and affordable places to leave their children while at work. However, the main concern is that fathers, generally, in their capacity as men, are excluded from having a positive impact on their children's lives despite the worldwide growing awareness that gender issues have to be integrated into development policies, plans and programmes
The study confirmed that there were fewer men than women involved in kindergarten activities. In this regard, the study revealed various factors that could prevent men from participating in early childhood development for which immediate resolution appears unattainable, and which can have significant implications for male participation in kindergarten. For example, culture and traditional beliefs have been found to have the most dominating influence on how people perceive male participation in kindergarten. These beliefs are rooted in the traditional division of labor between men and women. In this particular case, women still assume more responsibility for caring for children while men take primary responsibility for providing economic security to the family. Thus, it is believed that the presence of men in kindergarten would help change the traditional gender roles that are upheld by society
Studies on childcare have shown that men and women are equally nurturing when they experience extended contact with their children during infancy and early childhood. Thus, the kindergarten level is important because socialization on gender issues takes place at this level
The study concludes by offering a number of recommendations that could encourage equal participation of men and women in ECDPS and kindergartens
Description
A research paper submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the masters degree in public policy and administration (MPPA)
Keywords
Early childhood education, Kindergarten