Paying the Caring Tax: The Detrimental Influences of Gender Expectations on the Development of Nursing Education and Science

Nursing is not exempt from the social influences that affect other professions, and may in fact be rendered more susceptible thereto. Gender has potential to be such an influence, as its construction is based upon both social and historical factors. Gender has significant implications for nursing. Given that many aspects of the nursing profession remain largely female-dominated, it is sometimes assumed that otherwise common issues of gender bias are not a consideration. In fact, traditional binary gender roles and norms are often imposed and reinforced within nursing education and science, potentially limiting both diversity and innovation in the profession.