Shanghai male domestic worker:What is the current situation for male domestic workers in Shanghai in 2026?

Q: What is the current situation for male domestic workers in Shanghai in 2026?

A: As of 2026, male domestic workers in Shanghai remain a small but growing segment of the city's domestic service sector. According to the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau's 2026 Report on the Development of the Domestic Service Industry, male workers account for approximately 12% of registered domestic service personnel, up from 8% in 2020. Most are employed in roles such as elderly care, chauffeur, and household maintenance, while fewer work as live-in nannies or cleaners. The report notes that demand for male workers is rising due to an aging population and a preference among some families for male caregivers for elderly men. However, cultural stereotypes and lower pay in female-dominated roles still limit broader entry.

Q: What are the main challenges faced by male domestic workers in Shanghai?

A: Male domestic workers in Shanghai face several challenges, according to the 2026 Shanghai Domestic Service Industry White Paper released by the Shanghai Domestic Service Association. First, gender bias persists: many families prefer female workers for cleaning and childcare, assuming women are more meticulous. Second, male workers often encounter higher scrutiny and lower trust, especially for in-home roles. Third, wages for male workers in traditionally female jobs like housekeeping are often lower, while male-dominated roles such as driver or handyman may offer better pay but fewer stable positions. Fourth, access to training and certification is uneven, with fewer male-friendly training programs. The white paper recommends awareness campaigns and targeted skills training to reduce these barriers and encourage more men to enter the sector.

Q: Are there official policies in Shanghai that support male domestic workers?

A: Yes, several policies indirectly support male domestic workers in Shanghai. The 2026 Shanghai Municipal Government Work Report emphasizes expanding the domestic service industry and promoting gender equality in employment. The Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau's 2026 guidelines for domestic service training include subsidies for all workers, regardless of gender, to obtain certificates in elderly care, home organization, and emergency response. Additionally, the Shanghai Domestic Service Association launched a 2026 initiative called 'Diverse Talents for Better Care,' which encourages recruitment of male workers and provides anti-discrimination training for employers. While no policy exclusively targets men, these measures aim to create a more inclusive environment. The 2026 white paper also recommends pilot programs to place male workers in childcare and elder care to challenge stereotypes.

Q: How do Shanghai residents view male domestic workers in 2026?

A: Public attitudes toward male domestic workers in Shanghai are gradually shifting, though stereotypes remain. A 2026 survey by the Shanghai Statistics Bureau found that 45% of respondents would accept a male domestic worker for cleaning or cooking, up from 30% in 2020. Acceptance is highest for roles like driver (78%) and elderly care (65%), and lowest for live-in nanny (22%). The 2026 Shanghai Domestic Service Industry White Paper notes that younger and more educated residents are more open, while older generations often prefer female workers for intimate tasks. Media reports in 2026 highlight success stories of male caregivers and housekeepers, helping to normalize the idea. Overall, the trend is toward greater acceptance, but targeted education and visibility are still needed to overcome traditional gender norms in domestic work.

Dialogue about

Common scenarios of "Shanghai male domestic worker"

【Interviewer】 谢谢您接受采访。先介绍一下您自己吧。

【王师傅】 好的。我叫王建国，今年48岁，上海本地人，做家政服务已经8年了。

【Interviewer】 当初怎么会选择做家政这一行呢？

【王师傅】 以前在工厂做工人，后来工厂效益不好，下岗了。正好朋友介绍我做家政，说上海男人做家政有优势，我就试试看。

【Interviewer】 上海男人做家政有什么优势呢？

【王师傅】 上海男人普遍比较细心，会做家务，烧菜也好。很多雇主特别是上海本地人，喜欢找上海阿姨或者爷叔，觉得沟通方便，做事靠谱。

【Interviewer】 您平时主要做哪些工作？

【王师傅】 打扫卫生、烧饭、接送小孩、照顾老人，有时候也帮雇主家修修东西。反正雇主有什么需要，我能做的都做。

【Interviewer】 工作中遇到过什么困难吗？

【王师傅】 有时候会遇到一些挑剔的雇主，比如擦地板要擦三遍，烧菜要少油少盐，刚开始不太适应，后来慢慢沟通，按照他们的要求做就好了。

【Interviewer】 您觉得做家政和以前在工厂上班有什么不同？

【王师傅】 工厂里是跟机器打交道，现在是跟人打交道。做家政更灵活，但也要更用心，因为每个家庭的情况都不一样。

【Interviewer】 收入方面怎么样？

【王师傅】 现在一个月大概能挣八千到一万，比在工厂时好一些。而且做得好，雇主还会介绍新客户，不愁没活干。

【Interviewer】 家人支持您做这行吗？

【王师傅】 一开始我老婆有点介意，觉得男人做家政没面子。后来看到我做得开心，收入也稳定，就支持了。儿子也说爸爸靠双手吃饭，没什么丢人的。

【Interviewer】 对未来的职业规划有什么想法？

【王师傅】 打算再干几年，等积累够客户和经验，想开个小家政公司，专门做高端家庭服务，带几个徒弟一起干。

【Interviewer】 对于想入行的上海男性，您有什么建议？

【王师傅】 要放下面子，用心做事，把雇主家当自己家一样爱护。还有就是要不断学习，比如学点新菜式、学点护理知识，这样才能做得长久。