PERSPECTIVES OF MALE SPEECH THERAPISTS REGARDING THE GENDER DISPROPORTIONALITY IN THE PROFESSION OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Background: Gender imbalance remains a defining feature of the speech and language pathology (SLP) profession globally, with men significantly underrepresented. Despite increasing awareness, the profession continues to be perceived as female-dominated, influenced by societal norms, cultural expectations, and limited exposure among men. In Pakistan, where gender roles are more traditionally defined, understanding male professionals’ perspectives on their participation and challenges within SLP is vital to inform policy and educational reforms. Objective: The study aimed to explore the perspectives and lived experiences of male speech-language therapists in Pakistan regarding gender disproportionality within the profession. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was employed over six months (August 2023–January 2024). Fifteen male speech-language therapists were recruited through purposive sampling from various clinical and academic institutions across Pakistan. Participants holding BS, MS, or postgraduate diplomas in SLP were interviewed using a pre-validated, semi-structured guide. Data were collected through face-to-face and online interviews conducted in Urdu, audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework was used to identify emerging patterns and sub-themes. Data saturation was achieved after the fifteenth interview. Results: Analysis revealed four major themes with multiple sub-themes. The first theme identified barriers to male participation, including lack of awareness (reported by 10 of 15 participants), low wages, societal stereotypes, and absence of male role models. The second theme described positive male attributes such as authority, confidence, and communication skills. The third theme explained the predominance of females due to their patience, nurturing traits, and higher enrollment in medical fields. The final theme presented strategies for improvement, emphasizing awareness campaigns (supported by 11 participants), increased job opportunities, and mentorship initiatives. Conclusion: The study concluded that the persistent gender disparity in SLP stems from limited awareness, cultural stereotypes, and inadequate institutional support for men. Promoting male inclusion through awareness programs, educational outreach, and gender-inclusive policies could enhance workforce diversity and contribute to more balanced and culturally sensitive service delivery.