The Gender Structure of the Nursing Hierarchy: The Role of Human Capital

Abstract

This study investigated the factors contributing to the over-representation of men in senior positions in nursing. A questionnaire was distributed to a stratified random sample of 1536 registered nurses in New South Wales, Australia. The data were analysed using multiple logistic regression and showed that women's greater likelihood of taking breaks from full-time employment was the major variable contributing to the gender segmentation of the nursing workforce. This has implications for those working towards 'family friendly' workplaces.