The Salience of Gender 87 4 Preferences for women as care providers and associated traits Although gender identity was not considered relevant in care provider preferences by most participants, some participants, both men and women, mentioned gendered care preferences explicitly related to women as care providers and associated feminine attributes. Particularly, men related their preferences to stereotypical feminine traits such as ‘being friendlier’ and ‘being more empathic’ [Interview 15, Man] or gender norms related to care taking. Both men and women that expressed gender identity preferences towards healthcare providers referred to ‘feeling more comfortable’ with a woman as care provider while expressing diverse motivations for this. “Well, I have to say, I have a woman as neurologist, and I really like that. Yeah, so I guess I like a woman the most. I think I’m more comfortable talking to a woman about intimate things like peeing and stuff like that, and whatever else might happen in the future.” [Interview 13, Woman] One man explained that he preferred to see a woman psychologist as it was easier for him to talk about his emotions without a sense of competition. “I’ll confess something to you. A few years ago, when I needed a referral from the GP for a psychologist, I said: “I prefer a woman, is that crazy?” She says: “No, that’s not crazy, but you’re going to have to explain to that lady why you chose a woman.” I do feel that I talk about my feelings more easily with women than with men. We are still roosters, and you don’t want to be inferior to each other. You don’t like to be a weakling or the weakest. No, I talk more easily with women than with men, but you don’t always have a choice.” [Interview 19, Man] One woman mentioned having an uncomfortable experience with a man physiotherapist and therefore now more strongly prefers women as therapists. “I do feel more at ease [with a woman as care provider]. I’ve had a man as physiotherapist before and he, yes, how do I say that nicely? He did things that I felt were not appropriate. And since then, I’ve had physical therapists who-- Yeah, I just don’t want a man therapist. Yes, I think due to that experience, I prefer women care providers. I just feel much better about that and then at least I know for sure that nothing weird happens.” [Interview 21, Woman] Two men expressed feeling more comfortable with a woman as nurse by referring to gender norms related to care taking. Particularly when it comes to physical care activities such as helping with personal hygiene and getting dressed.
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