Is Involved Fatherhood Possible? Structural Elements Influencing the Exercise of Paternity in Spain and Norway

Abstract

This article analyses the different ways in which fatherhood is exercised in Spain and Norway. Family transformations and the redefinition of social roles assigned to men and women have brought changes in the meanings ascribed to paternity by Western societies. The two countries analyzed have undergone these changes in different ways, as they reflect different social interpretations about fathering, dissimilar participation of women in the labor market and diverse development of family policies. The aim of the article is therefore to analyze the structural elements that shape the behavior of fathers in Spain and Norway. Methodological triangulation was applied, combining in-depth interviews in both countries with a quantitative analysis of the main databases within this area. The empirical analysis is undertaken within the structural theory perspective, which takes into account the existence of elements external to the families which influence the distribution of work within the private sphere.

Why Is Part-time Unpaid Parental Leave (Still) Gendered? Narratives and Strategies of Couples in Spain

“…However, despite the relatively recent efforts by some governments to encourage men to take unpaid parental leave, men rarely use such leave (Fernandez-Lozano, 2018;Lammi-Taskula, 2008;Meil, 2013). Spain is no exception (Elizalde-San Miguel et al, 2019;Escobedo et al, 2012;Escot et al, 2014;Lapuerta et al, 2011;Romero-Balsas, 2013).…”

“…After the initial implementation of the gendered paid parental leave system, which is broadly used by Spanish mothers and fathers, the lack of wage replacement in the subsequent gender-neutral parental leave system makes many Spanish dual-earner couples unable to use the system. Nevertheless, if such leave is used, it is taken more often by mothers than by fathers (Elizalde-San Miguel et al, 2019;Escot et al, 2014;Lapuerta et al, 2011). For example, in the case of the reduced work schedule, which is a right in Spain (part-time unpaid parental leave), only 4.1% of fathers have ever used it, whereas the number of mothers using it has increased to 25.8% (Fernandez-Lozano, 2018).…”