“i nearly killed myself”: firefighters everyday experiences of risk and health. patricia...
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“I nearly killed myself”: Firefighters everyday experiences of risk and health.
Patricia Eyden-Wood ‖ PhD Student in Health Sciences
Supervised by: Dr Alan Dolan and Dr Wolfgang MarkhamEmail: [email protected]
References: ONS,(2006), (2013a); Courtenay (2011); Connell and Messerschmitt (2005).
IntroductionPoore
r healt
h outcomes
• Men have higher rates of morbidity and mortality than women.
Risky behaviour
• Evidence suggests men’s behaviour influences differences which has implications for their health.
Masculinit
y
• Men may undertake unhealthy/risky behaviours as a means of demonstrating their masculinity; by which men gain status as men.
Framework of
masculinit
y
• Connell’s relational model of “hegemonic masculinity” can be used to understand linkages between men, masculinity and health.
Project Aims
The overall aim is to investigate the practices occurring in the everyday lives of firefighters that impact the health of firefighters.
The study will also explore how this is underpinned by aspects of “being male” which is often associated with risky and unhealthy behaviours.
Research Design and Methodology
Selecting study population
Firefighters - a male
dominated population,
maybe at more risk due to
occupation.
Ethics
Approval granted
through BSREC at the
University of Warwick.
Recruiting firefighters
snowball sampling through
contacts in local area. Flyers and
posters at fire stations.
Interviews
15 semi-structured in-
depth interviews were audio recorded.
Analysis
Thematic analysis used to
analyse and code the data.
Participants demographicsSample size: 15 firefighters
Ethnicity
White BritishWhite IrishAustralianBlack Carribean
Length of service0-5 Years6-10 Years11-15 Years16-20 YearsMore than 20 Years
Highest Educational level O Level or GCSE
ONC/BTEC
A Levels or highers
Degree or Higher
Other
AGE
16-25 Years26-35 Years36-45 Years46-55 Years
The firefighters interpretation of risk
How hegemonic masculinities in the workplace may impact health
How hegemonic masculinities may impact perception of risk
Dominant masculinities outside of work
Dominant masculinities: comparison of work and home behaviour
Initial results overview
How do firefighters interpret risk?
“Does the risk outweigh the benefit?” (Steve, aged 43)
Common definitions were similar among firefighters
Based on teachings of the fireservice
Reflected awareness of incidents
Hegemonic masculinity in a high risk occupation: risking health
“We thought it was a trolley with cardboard in. …But we turned up … the house was on fire and I went in to the house dressed like this. Yeah, there was fire, there was smoke, but there was people that
needed rescuing.” (Mike, aged 42 years)
Risk interpretation was based on fireservice teachings
Understood the risk and potential harm but still took the risk
Dangerous work can be associated with ‘doing gender’
Engaged in dominant masculine practices by demonstrating courage, heroism and fearlessness.
Hegemonic masculinity in a high risk occupation: endangering health“I've had a job, one where someone didn’t want to go in one and I've dragged him in.
…I don’t think he really knew what he was doing” (Ian, aged 47 years).
Dominant forms of masculinity were demonstrated
Actions were justified - saw their interpretation of risk as superior
Men in subordinated positions may have found this difficult to challenge
Potential to harm themselves and others
Hegemonic masculinity in a high risk occupation: protecting health
“Recently we were training with a roof ladder and I wasn’t confident the roof ladder was correct, so I refused to go on to it. …My watch commander
was shouting at me and saying ‘it’s fine, it’s fine’, but … no, I’m not going up there” (Shaun, aged 35 years).
Assessed risk in order to protect his health in a training environment
Saying no may have allowed him to gain status, particularly as his decision was based upon knowledge
Hegemonic masculinity may vary depending on setting – recognises a range of masculinities
Dominant masculinity and its affect on perception of risk
“We’ve been to jobs on a motorway where you need to have two machines, cos people are incredibly stupid, and you need to be able to protect people while they are working on the motorway. … but you get
there and you’ve got one machine“ Henry, aged 48 years
Dominant masculinities place emphasis on strength and toughness.
This can affect how the risks are perceived, therefore they may accept and normalise risk in workplace which reinforces gender expectations.
Accept injuries as an inevitable part of the job .
Dominant masculinities in the home environment
“Probably overconfidence with men, that’s probably their biggest health risk factor is overconfidence or complacency …”I’m alright, I’ve cut down, I’m doing this, I’m okay”…”I’m
behaving”. But you’re not really, … you almost talk yourself into it I think as a man. You know, “oh I can do that on my own”, … you look at a task that probably needs four people and you think “I can achieve that if I work something out”. You manage it, but there was points in it
where you nearly dropped a ton and a half lump of oak on your head.” (Mark, aged 36 years).
Firefighters engaged in risky practices outside of work
Drew upon traditional notions of dominant masculinity – risk and physical strength
Recognised the risk to their health but continued to meet their role as provider or protector
Dominant masculinities at home and at work I fell off the ladder on the stairs painting, over stretching, not being bothered to move it. In the fire service I’d have stopped everything, got it moved, positioned
correctly. Because I’m at home, I just couldn’t be bothered. I know the risk, I know I’m going to fall off but I think I’m … it’s most probably a boy thing, isn’t it.
…I’ve got a bit … perhaps a bit more time here, whereas at home I'm always rushing. I nearly killed myself! Tony aged 41 years
Dominant practices at home were to get it done regardless of consequences
Dominant practices at work were getting it done safely.
Recognises health impact
Concluding points Firefighters were able to interpret risk and its impact on their health.
Expressions of hegemonic masculinity explained how risk could impact their health.
The work environment may reinforce dominant masculine practices of risk taking.
Protector or provide role may encourage risk taking outside of work .
Relevance of research: by investigating the practices that occur in the everyday lives of firefighters and impact their health we can;
understand the reasons why and how men engage in risk behaviours may help address the differences in their health outcomes compared to women.
