Men at the Margins of Masculinity: Gender-Based Challenges of Male Tour Guides in Davao del Norte, Philippines

Abstract

Tour guides play a vital role in ensuring tourist safety, satisfaction, and sustainable ecotourism, particularly in outdoor and trekking tourism. Despite their importance, limited research has examined the gender-based challenges experienced by male tour guides. Anchored in Connell’s Theory of Hegemonic Masculinity, this study explored the gender-based challenges faced by male tour guides in Mt. Megatong Peak, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, Philippines, and how they negotiate masculinity-related expectations in their professional roles. A qualitative narrative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 10 male tour guides and a focus group discussion with five participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Four major themes emerged: physical strength as a societal expectation, safety and emergency response, building rapport and guest interactions, and gender sensitivity. Participants addressed these challenges by redefining masculinity through strategic communication that enhanced guest comfort, ethical interactions grounded in empathy and respect, and the cultivation of emotional intelligence. The findings demonstrate that hegemonic masculinity continues to shape the work experiences of male tour guides, yet participants actively negotiate these norms to foster professionalism, inclusivity, and quality visitor experiences. This study broadens discussions of masculinity beyond dominance and physicality, highlighting adaptive and caring masculinities in tourism work. It also provides evidence to inform gender-responsive tourism policies, institutional support mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives, including gender and development training and mountaineering programs, that promote guide well-being, inclusive workplaces, and sustainable tourism aligned with national gender mainstreaming frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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