Feminization of the Early Childhood Professional Educator

This chapter addresses the feminization of teaching in early childhood education from a critical and reflective perspective. Based on statistical data from the Ministry of Education, a female majority is evident in the teaching profession, especially in basic and primary education. The author questions the reasons behind these inequalities, such as the traditional association of the maternal role with women and the undervaluation of men's role as teachers. The gender stereotypes that condition professional choices are explored and the social barriers faced by men who wish to dedicate themselves to children's teaching are highlighted. In addition, the need for greater inclusion of male references in this field is pointed out, since children need a diversity of educational models.  The chapter ends by highlighting the urgency of public policies that promote the equal participation of men and women in education and states that education should not have gender, but it must be a space of equity and diverse representation from childhood.