Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing presence of female cleaners in male restrooms due to economic pressures and labor market dynamics, leading to awkward situations and challenges for these workers [3][19][20]. Group 1: Labor Market Dynamics - Economic changes have led to a reduction in male cleaners, with companies opting for female workers due to lower costs and higher availability [19][20]. - Female cleaners are often assigned to clean male restrooms, a role traditionally held by men, reflecting a shift in labor allocation [9][19]. - The scarcity of male cleaners is attributed to higher wages and reluctance to take on such roles, resulting in a reliance on female labor [22][24]. Group 2: Experiences of Female Cleaners - Female cleaners like Wu Guiying and Zhang Liqin face uncomfortable situations while cleaning male restrooms, often feeling out of place and encountering awkward interactions with restroom users [6][11][12][18]. - The work environment in male restrooms is described as particularly challenging, with unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions, requiring the use of strong cleaning agents [10][9]. - Despite the discomfort, female cleaners adapt by learning to manage their time and interactions to minimize awkwardness [18][29]. Group 3: Gender Stereotypes and Social Perceptions - The presence of female cleaners in male restrooms challenges traditional gender roles and societal perceptions of cleaning work as low-status and suitable for women [20][21]. - There is a prevailing stereotype that cleaning jobs are easier and more appropriate for women, which influences hiring practices and labor distribution [19][20]. - The article discusses incidents where male restroom users express discomfort or disbelief at the presence of female cleaners, highlighting the ongoing gender biases in public spaces [14][20].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges faced by female cleaners, particularly in male restrooms, emphasizing the social stigma and awkwardness associated with their roles in a traditionally gender-segregated environment [6][11][16]. Group 1: Work Environment and Conditions - Female cleaners often face unpleasant and unsanitary conditions, especially in male restrooms, which can include vomit and urine, making their job physically and emotionally taxing [6][9][10]. - The shift towards hiring female cleaners for male restrooms is driven by cost-cutting measures by cleaning companies, as male cleaners are harder to recruit and typically demand higher wages [15][21]. - Many female cleaners, like Wu Guiying and Zhang Lijing, have transitioned to cleaning male restrooms due to a lack of male staff, which has become a common practice in the industry [19][21][27]. Group 2: Social Perceptions and Gender Roles - The presence of female cleaners in male restrooms challenges traditional gender roles and societal norms, leading to awkward situations for both the cleaners and restroom users [16][22]. - There is a prevailing stereotype that cleaning jobs are less dignified and more suitable for women, which perpetuates gender biases in the labor market [21][22]. - The article discusses incidents where male restroom users have reacted awkwardly or inappropriately to female cleaners, highlighting the discomfort and stigma surrounding this dynamic [16][22]. Group 3: Personal Experiences and Adaptation - Female cleaners have developed coping mechanisms to manage the awkwardness of their roles, such as timing their entry into restrooms and minimizing interaction with users [20][31]. - The narrative includes personal stories of female cleaners who have had to adapt to challenging work environments, often taking on additional responsibilities without corresponding pay increases [28][30]. - The emotional toll of the job is evident, as many cleaners express feelings of embarrassment and discomfort while performing their duties in male spaces [11][20][31].