Does Adherence to Masculine Norms Shape Fathering Behavior?

Keywords

father–child relations, fatherhood, fathers, gender, parental investment/involvement

Abstract

Research suggests that many fathers struggle balancing hegemonic masculine norms with new fatherhood ideals. This study uses data on 2,194 fathers from a national study on fathers of children aged 2 to 18 and incorporates a comprehensive assessment of masculine norms to examine whether adherence to masculine norms is associated with father involvement and whether this relationship is mediated by fathers' adherence to the new fatherhood ideal that promotes engaged, nurturing parenting. Results suggest that fathers who more closely adhere to masculine norms are less involved in instrumental and expressive parenting and are more likely to engage in harsh discipline than fathers who are less masculine. Adherence to masculine norms also reduces the likelihood of embracing the new fatherhood ideal, and adherence to the new fatherhood ideal at least partially mediates the relationship between masculinity and father involvement. Overall, despite changing expectations for fathers, hegemonic masculine norms continue to shape fathers' behavior.

Original Publication Citation

Petts, R.J., Shafer, K., & Essig, L.W.* (2018). “Does Adherence to Masculine Norms Shape Fathering Behavior?” Journal of Marriage & Family, 80(3): 704-720.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018-03-22

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7221

Publisher

Journal of Marriage and Family

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS