Nurturing – Likely due to their traditional roles in child-rearing, many people assume women to be superior nurturers to men.Combined with this fear, the possibility of getting a spontaneous erection during a session with a man may fuel their preference for a female therapist. Homophobia – For men who are uncomfortable with intimacy within their own gender, men may avoid being massaged by men because of their own homophobia.This misconception represents a constant battle for massage therapy professionals. Sexuality – A result of sex industry ventures masquerading as massage services, many people worry that a massage may be sexualized.Judgment – As the most likely sex to seek massage therapy, a woman’s insecurity about her body may harbor fears that a male therapist might judge her physical appearance.Feeling Safe – People typically feel vulnerable after they disrobe and may believe that a female will be less threatening.Although not based in logic or fact, the following causes of gender preference are rooted in the psychological web of our popular culture: While frequent spa-goers recognize that the importance of a practitioner’s skill supersedes a practitioner’s gender, those newer to receiving bodywork tend to prefer female therapists for many reasons. Experts believe this trend is due to the abundance of press educating the public about bodywork’s value as a therapeutic modality.
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The good news is that the more consumers are educated about massage therapy, the more they support gender neutrality. Although some may argue that this practice initiates potential discrimination, choosing gender can optimize client comfort – and thus encourage repeat business. Upon booking an appointment within the burgeoning spa industry, potential clients are usually asked if they would prefer a male or female massage therapist. Undeniably, day spas, destination spas and resort spas typically experience a majority of their clients preferring female practitioners. Whether a therapist is hoping to find employment or attract new clientele, these facts point to discrimination against male bodyworkers. Even though this statistic may create the illusion that male massage therapists are in higher demand, many people prefer receiving treatment from female bodyworkers. The Blazing DisproportionĪccording to The American Association of Massage Therapy, over 80 percent of massage therapists are female. However, those with drive can take several steps to prevail over the public’s gender bias and enjoy a successful, rewarding career. This inequity between the sexes may discourage some males from pursuing a livelihood in massage therapy. Not only are men a clear minority in this business, they also may have a harder time booking legitimate bodywork appointments. Regardless of how far we think our society has come in overcoming sexual discrimination, massage therapy professionals know otherwise.