'Deep-Seated Misogyny' Let's Talk About Women Nurses' Experiences of Workplace Gender Discrimination

To explore the experiences of Australian women registered nurses regarding workplace gender discrimination in nursing.

This paper reports on Phase 2 of a larger sequential explanatory mixed-methods study, using a qualitative exploratory design.

Eighteen purposively selected registered nurses who were women participated in semi-structured interviews conducted between July and November 2024. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by social constructionist and feminist perspectives.

Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Subjugation of women 'Male nurses come in and dominate'; (2) Male privilege 'People stop and listen'; (3) Perpetuating gender hierarchies 'It helps dilute all the oestrogen'; (4) Gendered tropes 'So you hate men'. Results highlighted the lifelong gender socialisation and patriarchal conditioning that permeates women's lives, shaping their subordination to men.

This research demonstrates that workplace gender inequality in nursing is sustained by entrenched patriarchal power structures and hegemonic discourses that systematically position women as subordinate to men. By utilising a feminist and social constructionist lens, the results shift attention away from women's individual competence toward the social, structural and political conditions through which gender inequality is reproduced. Gendered privilege is not enacted through explicit exclusion, but rather through regulation of women's behaviour and voice, reinforcing men's advantage.

The results support the need for transparent promotion processes, targeted education on unconscious bias and appearance-based discrimination, and leadership accountability to advance gender equity in nursing. Addressing gender essentialist beliefs is also critical to fostering more inclusive workforce cultures.

This study addresses the persistent issue of workplace gender discrimination for women registered nurses. Findings show that organisational responses should move beyond individual-focused approaches and instead prioritise cultural change within the profession and broader society. The results have implications for nursing leaders, healthcare organisations and policy makers.

This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines: COREQ.

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.