Introduction
There are several professions that serve important societal responsibilities within the beauty and healthcare industries. Nail technicians and nurses are two professions within the beauty and healthcare industries that we shall contrast in this essay. We can understand the particular difficulties and opportunities these professions present with regard to gender dynamics and equality by looking at their primary responsibilities, gender distribution, representation of women of color and immigrants, pay gaps, problems with sexual harassment and discrimination, and issues of resistance and activism. Through the lens of hegemonic femininity and masculinity theory, we will investigate the power dynamics and cultural norms that affect people’s experiences in a variety of fields. This analysis aims to remove barriers and prejudices already in place, promote social justice, and increase knowledge of gender equality in the beauty and healthcare industries.
Profile of Nail Technicians
Nail technicians hold a pivotal position in the beauty industry, proffering exemplary nail care services to customers. Their core duties encompass executing elaborate manicures and pedicures, administering stunning nail polish, and providing clients with trendy nail enhancements. Typically, this vocation has leaned towards a stronger female participation, with women dominating the sphere. Uncovering the historic and cultural influences contributing towards this gender distribution remains imperative.
Delving into the realm of Korean immigrant-owned nail salons, Miliann Kang illuminates the labyrinthine experiences rife throughout the trade via her article “The Managed Hand.” Within the intricacies of this industry, situations emerge that plunge nail technicians, predominantly women of color, into the harshest predicaments. Their hard work is diminished to a mere product that is objectified to amplify revenue; their bodies and emotions used as commodities in the hustle and bustle of salon life. This commercialization of their work contributes to the objectification and devaluation of these women in their professional roles.
Moreover, Kang’s study uncovers labor exploitation within Korean immigrant-owned nail salons. Nail technicians in these establishments often endure long working hours, low wages, and substandard working conditions. The article highlights the need for improved labor practices and fair treatment of nail technicians, particularly women of color, to address these exploitative conditions.
Examining the pay gaps within the nail technician occupation is another important aspect. Research indicates potential wage disparities between male and female nail technicians. Basford delves into the concept of gender microaggressions, which are subtle but harmful acts of discrimination based on gender. These microaggressions, rooted in biases and stereotypes, can affect the treatment and compensation of women in various occupations, including nail technicians. Basford states, “Microinvalidations encompass ‘‘actions that exclude, negate, or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiences of people of color’’ microinsults involve ‘‘actions that convey insensitivity, are rude, or directly demean a person’s racial identity or heritage’’ and microassaults include expressions similar to old-fashioned racism that are ‘‘most often deliberate on the part of the microaggressor, whose intent is to hurt, oppress, or discriminate (Basford, 2014).” Factors such as customer preferences influenced by societal norms and occupational segregation contribute to the pay gaps observed in this profession.
It is imperative to address sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and racial discrimination within the nail technician profession. According to Kang (2003), “At Uptown Nails, race, gender, and class intersect to produce a physically and emotionally pampering form of body labor that conforms to the expectations of white, professional women for caring and attentive service where trainers and prostitutes are mapping out the racial, gendered, and classed complexity of body labor.” According to Kang (Kang, 2003), racial and gender prejudices in society impact nail technicians’ experiences and expose the power dynamics prevalent in client relationships. In order to safeguard people from harassment and discrimination, workplaces must be inclusive and safe for all employees, regardless of gender or race.
We can enhance our understanding of the emotional labor involved in the nail technician profession by drawing on Hochschild’s work. According to Hochschild, “Emotion work refers to the management of one’s emotions to satisfy clients and the demands of the job.” (1979 Hochschild)”. A significant degree of emotional labor is frequently expected of nail technicians, who must keep a positive attitude and be flexible even in difficult circumstances. Nail technicians may encounter additional stress due to this emotional labor and cultural expectations of femininity. This can also affect how they see their jobs in general.
The nail technician sector has to make more effort to create inclusive workplaces. Ross, Persis Naumann Tech, and Liz Stokes’ essay “Sexual Harassment in Nursing: ethical considerations and Recommendations” analyzes the moral implications of sexual harassment in nursing (Ross, 2019). Even though it does not specifically address nail technicians, this article offers insightful information about the value of moral behavior and the demand for proactive measures to stop and address workplace harassment. The sector may cultivate a culture that promotes the rights and dignity of every person by spreading knowledge, putting thorough policies into place, and providing support mechanisms.
III. Profile of Nursing
Within the healthcare industry, nursing is a crucial profession with several duties. Nurses cooperate with other healthcare team members, give direct patient care, deliver prescriptions, monitor health status, and instruct patients. Even though nursing is typically associated with women, more men are entering the field.
Immigrants and women of color are significantly underrepresented in nursing. Women of color have made significant contributions to the nursing profession when tackling healthcare inequities and increasing cultural competence. Kim England’s article “Home, Domestic Work, and the State: The Spatial Politics of Domestic Workers’ Activism” examines domestic workers’ activism while focusing on spatial politics and organizing efforts within this largely female and immigrant workforce (England, 2017). The experiences and difficulties immigrant women face in the workforce, especially those who choose healthcare careers like nursing, are discussed in this article, even though it is not specifically about nursing. In order to promote an inclusive and varied nursing workforce, it is essential to comprehend the experiences of immigrant nurses.
Nursing is one profession where emotional labor is present. Emotional labor relates to controlling one’s emotions to fulfill employment requirements and please clients (Hochschild, 1979). Nursing can be a field where emotional labor can be especially essential because nurses frequently need to show empathy, compassion, and care for their patients. According to Hochschild (1979), “There are high social expectations and norms from the care receivers for workers which shape the emotional experiences of workers.” It is easier to understand the intricacies of the nursing profession and how they affect the well-being of nurses when we are aware of the emotional labor and feeling norms present in the field.
Achieving gender parity in nursing requires addressing compensation disparities. Basford explores gender microaggressions, imperceptible forms of bias exacerbating gender inequality. Disparities in wages and career growth possibilities are two ways these microaggressions might appear. Gender pay discrepancies in nursing result from various factors, including occupational segregation, unequal career advancement chances, and biases in compensation systems. The first steps in achieving gender equality within the profession are recognizing and closing these discrepancies.
An important issue that needs to be addressed is sexual harassment in the nursing field. The essay “Sexual Harassment in Nursing: Ethical Considerations and Recommendations” by S. Ross, D. N. P., B. Persis Naumann Tech, and J. D. By discussing this issue’s prevalence, effects, contributing causes, organizational reactions, and preventative and support strategy, Liz Stokes sheds light on it (Ross, 2019). Nursing staff retention, job satisfaction, and well-being can all suffer from sexual harassment’s unfavorable workplace effects. For nurses to work in a safe and respectful setting, sexual harassment must be addressed through comprehensive policies, education, and support networks.
Comparison and Contrast
Comparative analysis of main responsibilities and job descriptions:
Although nail technicians and nurses work in different industries, they share similarities in their dedication to providing quality care and service. Kang states, “Nail technicians specialize in enhancing the appearance and health of clients’ nails through manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements (Kang, 2003). On the other hand, nurses provide comprehensive care and support to patients, including administering medications, monitoring health conditions, collaborating with healthcare teams, and educating patients (Ross, 2019). Both occupations require attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to customer/patient satisfaction. While their specific tasks differ, nail technicians and nurses play vital roles in improving the well-being of individuals.
Comparison of gender distribution and diversity
Nail technician positions have traditionally been occupied by women, reflecting gender norms and societal expectations around beauty and grooming. In contrast, nursing has a historical association with women but has seen an increasing number of men entering the profession in recent years (Ross, 2019). This shift brings attention to the evolving gender dynamics and challenges related to gender biases and stereotypes in both occupations. Promoting diversity and inclusivity within both fields is important to ensure that individuals from all genders have equal opportunities to pursue and thrive in their chosen careers.
Examination of pay Gaps and disparities
Both nail technicians and nursing face potential pay gaps that must be addressed. Pay differences between male and female nail technicians may occur in the profession as a result of things like customer preferences and gender bias. Similar gender wage gaps exist in nursing, driven by occupational segregation, possibilities for professional growth, and compensation system biases. These differences jeopardize the values of justice and equality at work. It is imperative to identify and close these gaps to provide fair compensation and credit for the important work carried out by professionals in these fields.
Exploration of emotional labor and its commodification
Emotional labor is vital in determining how people’s lives are shaped, whether they work as nail technicians or nurses. Emotional labor is the management and control of emotions necessary for the task. Hochschild and Ehrenreich’s piece “Love and Gold” offers important insights into emotional labor (Hochschild, 2002). The work of Hochschild examines how societal norms and emotional codes influence emotional experiences inside social institutions. According to Hochschild, “the new emotional imperialism does not, for the most part, issue from the barrel of a pistol, while the sex trade and some domestic service is violently enforced. Women decide to immigrate in order to work at home. But they do so because they are essentially forced to by economic circumstances (Hochschild, 2002).” According to Hochschild (2002), the enormous difference between wealthy and developing nations constitutes compulsion and pushing. By adopting Hochschild’s theory, we can understand how individuals in these categories negotiate and perform emotional labor to fulfill the requirements of their respective roles. We also discuss the emotional challenges that nurses and nail techs face and how those challenges affect burnout and job satisfaction.
Comparative evaluation of issues related to discrimination
Sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and racial discrimination are issues that nail technicians and nurses must deal with. The difficulties faced by Korean immigrant-owned nail salons, which Kang emphasized in her piece, drew emphasis on the special discrimination women of color confront in the nail technician profession. Similarly, the essay “Sexual Harassment in Nursing” by S. Ross, D. N. P., B. Persis Naumann Tech, and J. D. Liz Stokes emphasizes the presence and effects of sexual harassment within the nursing profession (Kang, 2003). The necessity for organizational policies, training, and support structures to stop and treat discrimination is made clear when these problems are systematically examined in both professions. Promoting the well-being and professional development of nurses and nail techs requires the creation of safe, welcoming workplaces.
Exploration of Resistance and Activism
Examples of activism and opposition in the nail technician and nursing fields exist. Nail technicians have participated in campaigns for fair pay, initiatives encouraging safe working conditions, and collective organizing efforts. Like other professional groups, nursing organizations have promoted diversity and inclusion in healthcare settings, campaigns against discrimination, and gender equality. These instances of opposition and activism highlight the value of teamwork in overcoming obstacles at work and promoting constructive change. Researching these movements may teach valuable lessons about advancing workers’ rights and combating systematic inequality in both professions.
Acknowledgment of domestic work and gendered occupations
The nail technician and nursing professions intersect with gendered dynamics, but it is important to acknowledge that domestic work also plays a significant role in understanding gendered occupations. In her article, “Home, Domestic Work and the State: The Spatial Politics of Domestic Workers’ Activism,” Kim England sheds light on domestic workers’ spatial politics and activism (England, 2017). Domestic work, which often involves tasks traditionally associated with women, is typically undervalued and underpaid. England states, “Domestic workers have long been represented as ‘unorganizable.’ They have been legally excluded from collective bargaining and basic labor rights, and thus the traditional organizing methods of unions are not obviously applicable (England 2017).” The importance of acknowledging and addressing domestic workers’ labor rights and contributions is emphasized by this essay. We may expand our understanding of gendered employment beyond the nail technician and nursing fields by adding the information from this paper. A thorough investigation of gendered occupations and the ongoing fights for equality and justice will examine domestic workers’ activism alongside the resistance and advocacy efforts within the nail technician and nursing professions.
Theory Application
In comparing and contrasting the nail technician and nursing professions, one theory that can be applied is the theory of emotional labor and feeling rules proposed by Arlie Russell Hochschild in her article “Emotion Work, Feeling Rules, and Social Structure” (1979). The Hochschild theory looks at how people in different professions are expected to control and regulate their emotions as part of their job duties. The approach emphasizes the “feeling rules,” or social and cultural norms, that control the expression and restraint of emotions at work. These feeling rules shape the emotional experiences of workers and can influence their job satisfaction, burnout, and overall well-being.
We may look into the emotional work necessary in these careers by extending Hochschild’s theory to the nursing and nail technician areas. When working with clients and patients, nail technicians and nurses must restrain their emotions. To make their clients’ experiences enjoyable, nail techs might need to be upbeat, attentive, and empathic. Professionalism, compassion, and empathy are just a few of the emotions nurses may feel while caring for patients.
By understanding and researching how it is used in the jobs of nurses and nail technicians, we may better understand the challenges and repercussions that this emotional labor has on their welfare. We may develop techniques to assist these professionals in properly managing their emotions, avoiding burnout, and enhancing job satisfaction using the emotional labor idea. It also contributes to a deeper understanding of the social structure surrounding the nail technician and nursing professions by shedding light on the societal expectations and emotional norms that impact the emotional experiences within these vocations.
We can investigate how nail technicians and nurses perform emotional labor by incorporating Hochschild’s theory of emotional labor and feeling rules, look at how emotional labor affects workers’ well-being, and find ways to encourage more positive emotional experiences in these professions. This practical application of theory offers an insightful understanding of the emotional difficulties experienced by professionals in both areas. It also informs techniques for fostering supportive work environments that prioritize emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Gender-specific difficulties, inequities, and the commodification of emotional labor have been identified in the investigation of the nail technician and nursing professions. Both professions emphasize the importance of promoting justice, diversity, and safe working conditions as they deal with issues of bias, dissent, and activism. By recognizing the contributions of underrepresented groups, questioning long-held norms, and embracing inclusivity, we can strive toward a more just society that values the experiences and accomplishments of persons in these traditionally gendered professions. It is crucial to address pay disparities, eradicate sexual harassment, and foster empowerment for these professions in order for them to operate in a supportive and equal environment.
Bibliography
Basford, Tessa E., Lynn R. Offermann, and Tara S. Behrend. “Do you see what I see? Perceptions of gender microaggressions in the workplace.” Psychology of Women Quarterly 38, no. 3 (2014): 340-349.
England, Kim. “Home, domestic work and the state: The spatial politics of domestic workers’ activism.” Critical Social Policy 37, no. 3 (2017): 367–385.
Hochschild, Arlie Russell, and Barbara Ehrenreich. “Love and gold.” (2002): 15-30.
Hochschild, Arlie Russell. “Emotion work, feeling rules, and social structure.” American Journal of Sociology 85, no. 3 (1979): 551-575.
Kang, Miliann. “The managed hand: The commercialization of bodies and emotions in Korean immigrant–owned nail salons.” Gender & Society 17, no. 6 (2003): 820–839.
Ross S, D. N. P., B. Persis Naumann Tech, and J. D. Liz Stokes. “Sexual harassment in nursing: ethical considerations and recommendations.” Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 24, no. 1 (2019): 1-13.
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