Perception of male otolaryngologists on gender discrimination: a comparative study

PURPOSE: To gather information on perception of male otolaryngologists (MORLs) about gender discrimination towards female otolaryngologists (FORLs). METHODS: MORLs were invited to participate to an online survey. Minimum participation requirement was completion of at least their first year of residency. The responses were analyzed and compared vis-a-vis with the previously conducted similar survey among FORLs. RESULTS: Statistically significant responses on the Likert scale are classified in four main groups. MORLs and FORLs share the same views about financial factors, benefits and opportunities, housework as burden, establishing work–life balance and physical strength requirements. They have opposing views about FORLs being meticulous, exposed to more negative attitude of the opposite gender and men’s dominance in decision-making. FORLs don’t have consensus, but MORLs disagree about MORLs being favored in pursuing academic careers. On the other hand, MORLs don’t have consensus, but FORLs agree about patients having more confidence in MORLs. CONCLUSION: MORLs don’t usually have any confrontation with FORLs in regards to the roles of women in the society such as their motherhood role. On the other hand, MORLs show rather a contradiction on their perception towards the gender discrimination mainly in achieving career goals by FORLs such as growing in the profession and holding managing roles. When the views of the both gender group are compared, MORLs don’t seem to fully acknowledge FORLs’ gender discrimination experience.