Play, care and gender: exploring the perceptions and practices of out of school care practitioners

Barker, Jillian Rosina (2025) Play, care and gender: exploring the perceptions and practices of out of school care practitioners. Ed.D thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study examines the gender perceptions and understandings of Out of School Care (OSC) practitioners in the provision of play. Whilst many studies focus on gendered play within Early Years (EY) settings, this research exclusively involves OSC practitioners and their views on gender influences in facilitating play, rather than the perspectives of children. Acknowledging the global call for increased male presence within the entire Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) sector, this study explores OSC practitioners' considerations and perceptions regarding the role of men in OSC. Adopting a poststructuralist approach and interpretative paradigm, the study utilised a two-phase data collection method. Research data was gathered from seven OSC practitioners who participated in an online Padlet responding to proposed questions, followed by individual semi-structured interviews. The dissertation's analysis applied a Foucauldian lens and Connell’s theories on masculinities, identifying three key themes: professional play, the playworker’s role, and the provision of play, all influenced by the participants' gender perceptions. The findings suggest that although male presence is advantageous, it should not serve as the sole rationale for achieving a gender-balanced workforce. The study suggests that OSC's feminised origins contribute to a perception that play and care are low-skilled tasks associated with women's work, despite being a degree led sector. The limited hours available in OSC are identified as the primary obstacle deterring men from entering the workforce, reinforcing the traditional view of men as breadwinners. Despite participants advocating for gender neutrality in the provision of play, there remains a risk of practitioners becoming gender blind. There is a recognised need to revisit the role of the playworker and OSC sector with an emphasis on gender awareness and sensitivity training, particularly regarding the provision of play for children and gender responses. The study also suggests areas for further research and implications for practice, including a review of the OSC sector and guidelines, as well as an examination of the gender perceptions held by OSC service users.

• Item Type: Thesis (Ed.D)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Supervisor's Name: Wingrave, Dr. Mary and Read, Professor Barbara
• Date of Award: 2025
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2025-85551
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 27 Oct 2025 15:59
• Last Modified: 27 Oct 2025 15:59
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.85551
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/85551