Klarsfeld, Alain, Ng, Eddy S., and Legacy, Brandon (2026) Unlocking hidden barriers: an overview and a research agenda on career challenges for disadvantaged men. Career Development International. (In Press)

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the often-overlooked career challenges faced by men from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in Western contexts. It seeks to highlight the underutilization of intersectionality frameworks in studying men's vocational and career experiences. By focusing on how gender norms, disadvantages, as well as technological and demographic shifts intersect, the paper intends to uncover unique barriers these men face. It ultimately aims to provide recommendations for organizational and policy interventions and identify avenues for future research to better support disadvantaged men's career development and integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a critical approach, drawing on interdisciplinary literature from sociology, psychology, management, and cultural studies. It integrates an intersectional framework with a social structural perspective, analyzing existing empirical studies predominantly from Western countries. The authors conduct a broad literature review covering career stages such as vocational preparation and career entry and consider demographic and technological trends affecting disadvantaged men. Empirical examples and critical theoretical concepts are used to illustrate how masculinity intersects with variables such as socio-economic status, race, or migrant status to create unique career hurdles for men. Findings

The paper reveals that men from disadvantaged backgrounds face multiple barriers throughout multiple career stages considered in this paper, rooted in gender norms, socio-economic inequities and systemic biases. These men experience educational disadvantages and career misalignment due to labor market shifts. Structural changes favor cognitive and social skills associated with upper-class masculinity, making physical strength less valued and diminishing opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sectors. These challenges contribute to social exclusion and barriers to joining emerging occupations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper primarily relies on data and studies from Western, affluent countries, mainly the USA, UK and parts of the EU, which limits its generalizability globally. Additionally, much of the research cited focuses on specific intersections and contexts; thus, findings may not apply universally. The authors acknowledge the scarcity of intersectional research on disadvantaged men, calling for more studies across diverse geographical and cultural settings to validate and extend current knowledge. Future research should explore the nuanced interactions of gender, class, race and other identity variables relevant to other regions, and to examine institutional practices affecting men's careers worldwide.

Practical implications

The paper proposes targeted organizational and policy interventions to support disadvantaged men's vocational and career development. Recommendations include enhancing educational programs that address boys' academic challenges, increasing the visibility of male role models in education and in female-dominated professions, and promoting inclusive workplace cultures that challenge harmful gender norms. These initiatives aim to broaden employment opportunities for disadvantaged men while contributing to gender equity and workforce diversity.

Social implications

The paper highlights the social consequences of neglecting disadvantaged men's career challenges, including increased risks of social exclusion, political backlash, and susceptibility to radicalization. It underscores how feelings of victimhood and insecurity linked to masculinity and socio-economic disadvantage can fuel hostility towards marginalized groups and lead to the rise of extremist and antisocial movements. Addressing men's unique career barriers is thus not only a matter of individual well-being but also crucial for social cohesion, equity, and the prevention of social unrest. The research encourages policies that foster inclusion and address intersectional inequities.

Originality/value

This paper makes a valuable and original contribution by bringing attention to an underexplored area: the career disadvantages faced by men from underprivileged backgrounds. It challenges prevailing assumptions that men universally benefit from organizational and societal structures, emphasizing the complexity of masculine situations and identities shaped by class, race, and other factors. By advocating for a social structural and intersectional framework, it broadens the scope of gender and career research and provides a foundation for future studies. The integration of technological and demographic megatrends further enriches the understanding of men's evolving career experiences and potential for future growth.

Item ID:	90982
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1758-6003
Related URLs:	https://www.emerald.com/cdi/article-abst...
Copyright Information:	© Emerald Publishing Limited.
Date Deposited:	24 Mar 2026 02:54
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