#Womeninmalefields - A TikTok Trend That Embodies Our Changing Gender Roles in Industry

By Helene Black - LinkedIn

According to The Pew Research Center, "For the first time in history, women are not only earning more bachelor’s degrees than men but are also achieving parity in the college-educated workforce—a development that began in the early 1980s and continues to accelerate today.” The transformative shift of more women earning degrees than men is backed by a long-fought history of women's rights that reflects broader societal changes in the United States; education and professional landscapes are places where women are challenging traditional norms and thriving in fields once dominated by men. The viral TikTok trend #womeninmalefields, a trend supporting women who challenge the playboy rules men typically embody, serves as a modern lens for exploring these changes, highlighting the progress made and the challenges that remain as gender roles continue to evolve, especially regarding industry.

The Rise Of Women in Higher Education

Unlike men, who still access well-paying jobs in industries like construction or manufacturing without a college degree, women face fewer opportunities in such roles. According to The Feed, for women, earning a degree is often seen as essential to securing financial stability and upward mobility in an economy that still marginalizes their access to high-paying, non-degree jobs. As a result, women are enrolling in college at higher rates to mitigate the wage gap and ensure long-term career prospects.

In addition to economic factors, educational performance plays a key role. The Pew Research Center looks into findings that consistently show women outperform men in high school, earning higher grades and excelling in critical non-cognitive skills like organization, discipline, and focus. These traits translate into better preparation for college and higher completion rates among women. In contrast, men often struggle with academic engagement, which partly explains their declining presence in higher education. This combination of economic necessity and academic aptitude has positioned women as the dominant force in college classrooms today.

Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields

Women are increasingly entering historically male-dominated industries like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), construction, and manufacturing, yet systemic challenges persist. The United States Census shows that although women now make up 48% of the U.S. workforce, they only constitute 27% of STEM roles. Gains are apparent in areas such as life and physical sciences (45% women) and mathematics (47% women), but fields like engineering and computing remain heavily male-dominated, with women representing less than 20% in some cases. Additionally, women in male-dominated industries face barriers including biases, stereotypes, and a lack of leadership representation. For example, despite their presence, women are underrepresented in decision-making roles like executive leadership and management. Looking back at the lens of #womeninmalefields, while this term refers to a woman acting like a man, the trend reflects how men typically create barriers for women in male-dominated industries that are tedious to overcome, but steadily making strides.

Shifting Gender Roles and Expectations for Men

Regarding the shifting gender roles and expectations for men, in parallel with the growing presence of women in historically male-dominated fields, more men are entering caregiving roles, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. According to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, today, men constitute about 40% of the 53 million caregivers in the U.S., a significant increase that reflects evolving gender norms. Male caregivers are becoming more visible and accepted in professions like nursing, teaching, and home care, although stereotypes about these roles being “women’s work” persist. Studies show that men involved in caregiving find it highly fulfilling, with many advocating for shared domestic responsibilities to achieve greater family balance. Despite these advances, systemic barriers, such as stigma and lack of workplace support, often limit men’s participation in caregiving professions. For instance, fewer men feel comfortable taking paid leave for caregiving tasks, even when available. A Nextavenue article explores transforming these perceptions through workplace policies like equitable parental leave and promoting caregiving as a gender-neutral domain; these policies can prove to encourage broader participation and normalize men in these roles.

The Future of Workplace Dynamics

As the workplace evolves, gender diversity is increasingly recognized as essential for fostering innovation and addressing challenges like hybrid work models, AI integration, and skills gaps. Studies highlight that organizations with diverse teams perform better financially and adapt more effectively to complex problems. However, achieving this diversity remains a hurdle. While companies have improved workplace flexibility and reduced bias in hiring practices, the representation of women, especially in leadership roles, lags significantly. For instance, McKinsey's 2024 report reveals it may take decades for women of color to achieve senior-level parity, emphasizing the need for sustained organizational commitment to diversity and inclusion programs. This is just one of the methods that can be used in application for the future of workplace dynamics.

Conclusion

The evolving dynamics of gender roles in education, industry, and caregiving reflect a broader societal shift that continues to redefine traditional expectations. The rise of women in higher education and their increasing presence in male-dominated fields highlights both their resilience and the necessity of systemic support to achieve true equity. Simultaneously, men stepping into caregiving roles challenge long-held notions of masculinity, proving that progress benefits all genders. Trends like #womeninmalefields encapsulate this transformation, celebrating victories while spotlighting ongoing barriers. As workplaces strive for diversity and inclusion, these changes not only signal a fairer society but also lay the foundation for innovative, adaptive industries. Ultimately, the future of work will be shaped by breaking these barriers, ensuring all individuals can thrive regardless of gender.

Actionable Steps

As the workplace undergoes rapid transformation, college students must proactively prepare to work in a landscape that is constantly defined by shifting gender roles and evolving industries.

1. Engage in Advocacy and Diversity Initiatives: Join campus organizations focused on gender equality and workplace diversity. This helps you develop leadership skills while advocating for inclusivity, a quality employers increasingly value.

2. Develop Resilience and Adaptability: Participate in internships or group projects that emphasize problem-solving and adaptability. These experiences will prepare you to navigate the flexible, rapidly changing work environments of the future.

3. Leverage Social Media for Professional Branding: Use platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok to showcase your skills and engage in discussions that align with professional goals. This helps expand your network and build a brand aligned with modern workplace trends