Lack of Enough Male Representation in the Eating Disorder Field
Introduction
One issue that has constantly disadvantaged eating disorder debates is lack of enough male representation in the eating disorder field. But, this lack of enough male professionals isn't only confined within the black community – rather, it’s a trans-ethnic issue that affects all races. As a practitioner in the field, I have personally observed the uneven ratio of female to male professionals. The shortage of male clinicians, therapists, social workers, dieticians, and even mentors leads to numerous negative consequences, especially when it comes to assisting males sufferers of eating disorders.
Causes of the Disparity
Several reasons have been proposed to explain this under-representation.
One reason is because there are stereotypes that associate eating disorders with women and, consequently, many men don’t find a reason to pursue a career in this field. They (erroneously) believe that since eating disorders solely affect women, it is natural that only women should pursue a career as an eating disorder care provider. Over time, the eating disorder field became dominated by women.
Another possible reason is the gender stereotype that associates caregiving with women. Many men believe that caregiving isn’t “macho” enough and as such, they don’t find a reason to pursue a career in this field. In fact, I have personally discussed this issue with my acquaintances and many of them believe that the eating disorders field is a “woman’s field” and thus its women who should pursue a career in this field.
However, it is important to realize that eating disorders do not discriminate by gender. And, unlike women, men often hide their problem because of the belief that they’ll look weak if they seek help. Though, in reality, admitting that you have a problem and need help is what’s strong.
Consequences of the Disparity
First and foremost, many men experiencing eating disorders may not feel comfortable seeking help from women professionals. This causes many men to suffer silently. Of course, this ensures that the problem of eating disorders among men remains unaddressed, and even continues to grow. It is important, however, to realize that if you’re a man suffering from an eating disorder and you feel uncomfortable seeking help from female professionals, there are still male professionals in this field. It will take extra effort since there are fewer of us, but we would love to work with you.
Because of male practitioner under-representation, stereotypes will likely continue to be reinforced and, specifically, the belief that eating disorders only affect women. This is likely to make men suffering from eating disorders reluctant to seek professional help. The fact that they don’t see representation of practitioners that look like them will deter many from seeking treatment.
This under-representation will also compromise the research done in this field since it is likely to ignore some salient issues that affect males with eating disorders. Most of the research is likely to focus on issues revolving around women with eating disorders. A look at the existing research indicates that this is already an unfortunate reality.
Men also will lack male professional mentors in this field who can guide them towards becoming a clinician, therapist, social work, or dietician that specializes in eating disorders.
Since this issue is assumed to affect only women, there will be the tendency to ignore eating disorders among men and not many men will be willing to pursue a career in this field.
How To Address Male Under-Representation in the Eating Disorder Field
As a professional in this field, and also someone deeply concerned about male under-representation, I propose several ways to help reduce this disparity and attract more men in this field:
More men should be encouraged to pursue careers in the eating disorder field. This can be achieved through educating men on the benefits they’d receive if they work in this field, and also provide them with the detailed information and career prospects and the available opportunities. Such benefits include being able to play a vital role in helping fellow men dealing with eating disorders and also being able to work in a challenging field that offers opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
It is important for the professionals in this field to constantly fight against the existing gendered stereotypes of eating disorder sufferers. If awareness can be created to demonstrate that eating disorders also affect men, I am convinced that more men would be willing to pursue a career in this field. For example, social media can be used to educate people about how eating disorders also affect men and how men suffering from EDs can seek help. Also, pamphlets can be used to send messages on EDs and how they affect men.
Stakeholders must engage in gender diversity campaigns. By working with educational institutions, we can ensure that there is gender balance while also addressing existing biases.
Males already in the field must mentor other males who are interested in pursuing a career in this field. By guiding them on the various issues revolving around working in the eating disorder field, they can leverage their networks to grow the number of male practitioners.
Educational institutions can also provide financial assistance and/or scholarships to men willing to pursue a career in the eating disorder field.
Conclusions
This article has addressed the various issues revolving around lack of enough male representation in the eating disorder field. These roles include: clinicians, practitioners, therapists, social workers, dieticians, and mentors. It is obvious that this lack of sufficient representation deters that many men suffering from eating disorders won’t seek help. Because of this, it is important for all relevant stakeholders to work together and create awareness about eating disorders and, specifically, create awareness that eating disorders also affect men. If men can be encouraged to seek help for their eating disorders, there is likelihood that the field will attract more male practitioners. With more men in the field, more men with eating disorders are likely to seek help as they will feel more comfortable confiding to fellow men. It is also important for researchers to focus on the various eating disorders issues that specifically affect men. This, in turn, will further the visibility of male eating disorder sufferers, bringing in more male professionals, increasing research funding, and so on. opportunities.
