Is social work a 'non-traditional' occupation for men?

The European Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission have called for the increased employment of men in occupations, such as social work, where men are numerically under-represented. In Britain, men's employment in social work is contentious but, as yet, little discussed. This article draws on Williams' (1993, 1995) concept of 'non-traditional occupations for men' to explore the positions of men in social work. It focuses in particular on continuities and dissonances between dominant constructions of men's gender and professional social work identities. These are discussed in relation to particular areas of practice and an agenda for further investigation is considered.