The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences of people's perception of the male teachers at the daycare centers depending on their demographic variables and thereby, help establish a correct perception of the male teachers at daycare cente...
The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences of people's perception of the male teachers at the daycare centers depending on their demographic variables and thereby, help establish a correct perception of the male teachers at daycare centers and thus, provide for some basic data useful to enhancement of male teachers' trait and roles as well as their professionalism, vocational and economic status, so that male people may choose the job of daycare center teacher unreservedly.
For this purpose, the following study points were set up;
1. Would the social perception of male daycare center teachers' vocational status differ depending on people's demographic variables (gender, age, academic background and number of children)?
2. Would the social perception of male daycare center teachers' economic status differ depending on people's demographic variables (gender, age, academic background and number of children)?
3. Would the social perception of male daycare center teachers' trait and roles differ depending on people's demographic variables (gender, age, academic background and number of children)?
4. Would the social perception of male teachers as required for daycare centers differ depending on people's demographic variables (gender, age, academic background and number of children)?
For this study, the researcher sampled 345 citizens in their 20's ~ 40's living in Seoul for a questionnaire survey. For the survey, the researcher modified and supplemented Kim Hyo-sun's (2000) questionnaire for 'Survey of the Social Perception of Kindergarten Teachers' and Lee Hwa-yong's (2006) questionnaire for 'A Study on Parents' Perception of Male Teachers at Pre-school Education Centers.'
The survey was conducted for about 4 weeks from March 26 through April 23, 2008 via personal contact or mail. The data collected were processed using the SPSS Win. 12.0 program for chi-square test.
The results of this study can be summarized as follows;
Study point 1. Difference of the social perception of male daycare center teachers' vocational status.
Ordinary people's perception of male daycare center teachers' vocational status was low. Such perception differed significantly depending on gender and age rather than academic background or number of children. In general, male daycare center teachers' social status was perceived lower than male elementary or secondary school teachers.
Study point 2. Difference of the social perception of male daycare center teachers' economic status
As compared with other jobs, male daycare center teachers' economic status was perceived low. The higher their academic background was, the ordinary people perceived more that the male daycare center teacher was an unstable job. And a male daycare center teacher as a husband was perceived negative, mainly because of lower social perception and wage.
Study point 3. Differences of the social perception of male daycare center teachers' trait and roles
Ordinary people's perception of male daycare center teachers' trait and roles differed significantly depending on number of children. The parents with a girl wanted a married male daycare center teacher, while expecting much of him because 'a male teacher could reflect his own experience of bringing up a child on his job' and 'he would be more concerned about pre-school children.' All in all, ordinary people perceived that male daycare center teachers should have a license.
Study point 4. Difference of the social perception of male teachers as required for daycare centers
Ordinary people's perception did not differ significantly depending on gender, age or number of children, but the higher their academic background was, they felt more positive and important for male daycare center teachers. In addition, they perceived that male daycare center teachers were more appropriate for pre-school children than toddlers.