Muži-učitelé v mateřských školách – konstrukce maskulinity ve feminizovaném prostředí

This article focused on the topic of men working in feminized jobs, specifically male teachers in kindergartens. Male teachers in kindergartens are in a specific position due to their low numbers in this environment. This position implies several advantages for them - they are accepted with enthusiasm and with expectation of change. This treatment gives them the opportunity to construct their own and relatively "elite" version of masculinity that is not superior just to the femininity of female teachers but also to the other versions of masculinity. This "elite" version of masculinity is also supported by female teachers and it contributes to maintaining a dichotomous and hierarchical approach to men and women in kindergartens. The purpose of this article is to identify the main strategies that male teachers use in the construction of their version of masculinity in this feminized environment. The article is based on qualitative research, which included the observation in several kindergartens and interviews with male and female teachers in kindergartens.