Masculinity and Child Care: The Reconstruction of Fathering

Abstract

In this article we focus on a group of fathers who use parental leave and how they include care-giving in their construction of masculinity. The fathers shape their own masculine form of care-work differently from the mothers' interaction with the child. Both mothers and fathers, however, take part in the process of reproducing masculinity as the norm by giving masculine care higher status. Care-giving activities are adopted by the hegemonic form of masculinity with its strong connection to paid work.

‘Manic Mums’ and ‘Distant Dads’? Gendered geographies of care and the journey to school

“…Some of the accounts here echo the findings of other research, particularly a link between masculinity and technology (Garvey, 2001) and men's preferences for "side by side" activities, which represent particular masculine forms of intimacy which are characterised by "doing something together" (Brandth andKvande, 1998 andMessner, 2001). That fathers do not simply replicate mothers' ways of caring or relating to their children whilst travelling perhaps indicates a distinct, masculine concept of caring for children (Brandth and Kvande, 1998).…”

“…Fathers' involvement in the escort of children can create a particular and distinct set of everyday caring practices from those children experience with mothers (as also found by Brandth and Kvande, 1998, in relation to looking after small children at home). Cars were central to some children's accounts of spending time with fathers, partly reflecting that men's status often gives them more access to cars than other members of the household.…”

“…The involvement of men perhaps reflects a shift in gendered carescapes as new roles of caring are being created for fathers within children's lives. This mirrors a broader shift in expectations regarding fatherhood from a role based upon absence to one of closeness, proximity to and engagement with children (Brandth andKvande, 1998, Castelain-Meunier 2002). Indeed it is possible to consider whether this has led to a re-casting and re-configuration of caring relationships.…”

“…In addition to assessing the extent of participation in carescapes, a number of geographers have called for an exploration of the gendered content and style of caring practices (Brandth and Kvande, 1998, Holloway, 1998, Dowling, 2000and Mac an Ghaill and Haywood, 2007. Some aspects of carescapes were not gendered and were universally experienced by children who escorted by mothers or fathers.…”

“…That fathers do not simply replicate mothers' ways of caring or relating to their children whilst travelling perhaps indicates a distinct, masculine concept of caring for children (Brandth and Kvande, 1998). These men create a more domestic version of masculinity, which although care, also draws upon everyday practices (such as driving fast, and a reliance upon technology providing the focus for the journey) which are often identified as aspects of hegemonic masculinity (Miller, 2001 andMac an Ghaill andHaywood, 2007).…”