“I’m not Just a Babysitter”: Masculinity and Men’s Experiences of First-Time Fatherhood

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Author(s)
Lewington, L
Lee, J
Sebar, B
Year published
2021
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A man’s transition into the role of a father is a rewarding yet challenging experience for many men. This study explores how men navigate contradictory roles of fatherhood and the impact this has on their identity. Fifteen first-time fathers were interviewed, and their responses were analysed using thematic and discourse analysis tools. Findings revealed that fathers were found to both adhere to and challenge masculine ideals of fatherhood. Men described both traditional and non-traditional roles in their becoming a father, being a father, and navigating fatherhood and manhood. The continuation and contestation of masculine ...
View more >A man’s transition into the role of a father is a rewarding yet challenging experience for many men. This study explores how men navigate contradictory roles of fatherhood and the impact this has on their identity. Fifteen first-time fathers were interviewed, and their responses were analysed using thematic and discourse analysis tools. Findings revealed that fathers were found to both adhere to and challenge masculine ideals of fatherhood. Men described both traditional and non-traditional roles in their becoming a father, being a father, and navigating fatherhood and manhood. The continuation and contestation of masculine discourses in the experiences of fatherhood was found to influence their involvement with raising children and employment, as well as their relationships. Overall, these findings highlight the uncertainty that shapes modern fathers’ roles and demonstrates how fathers move between both traditional and new fatherhood roles.
View less >
View more >A man’s transition into the role of a father is a rewarding yet challenging experience for many men. This study explores how men navigate contradictory roles of fatherhood and the impact this has on their identity. Fifteen first-time fathers were interviewed, and their responses were analysed using thematic and discourse analysis tools. Findings revealed that fathers were found to both adhere to and challenge masculine ideals of fatherhood. Men described both traditional and non-traditional roles in their becoming a father, being a father, and navigating fatherhood and manhood. The continuation and contestation of masculine discourses in the experiences of fatherhood was found to influence their involvement with raising children and employment, as well as their relationships. Overall, these findings highlight the uncertainty that shapes modern fathers’ roles and demonstrates how fathers move between both traditional and new fatherhood roles.
View less >
Journal Title
Men and Masculinities
Copyright Statement
Lewington, L; Lee, J; Sebar, B, “I’m not Just a Babysitter”: Masculinity and Men’s Experiences of First-Time Fatherhood, Men and Masculinities, 2021. Copyright 2021 The Authors. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.
Note
This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.
Subject
Sociology
Other human society
Cultural studies