‘I don't babysit': Stay at home dads face society's expectations about who should be looking after the kids

Publicly released:
Australia; VIC
Photo by Judy Beth Morris on Unsplash
Photo by Judy Beth Morris on Unsplash

Despite a growing proportion of stay-at-home dads in Australia, looking after the kids is still socially perceived as a gendered activity within Australian society, which can impact men's masculinity and their ability to feel authentic as caregivers, according to Australian research. The study, which centred around structured interviews with 10 stay-at-home dads, found gendered expectations and social discomfort within a space traditionally occupied by mothers. Some men reported getting praise for doing what mothers do every day, conceivably due to the unfamiliarity of seeing fathers involved with their children.

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Australian Journal of Social Issues
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Organisation/s: Deakin University
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