CAREGIVING FATHERS IN THE WORKPLACE : organisational experiences and the fatherhood... forfeit

This book explores the experiences of caregiving fathers in the UK. Conceptions of fatherhood, childcare, and work have altered over the last few decades, with many fathers taking a more active role in caregiving than before and seeking to alter their working patterns accordingly. However, such a wider involvement in caregiving for fathers can clash with traditional values about masculinity and work, which still hold sway over public opinion and workplace policies. Using quantitative and qualitative data, collected through the use of surveys, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with managers and working parents, the book explores perceptions and experiences of fathers who amend their working patterns due to caregiving responsibilities. It highlights the specific challenges faced by caregiving fathers when they attempt to take an active role in the parenting of their children which is identified as the ‘fatherhood forfeit’. This impactful new book proposes actions to address such mistreatment and improve equality in the workplace, which includes changes to policy, increases in training and the importance of workplace role modelling. It will be of interest to academics studying human resource management, gender, masculinity, organisational studies, and the home-life balance, as well as policymakers. Acknowledgements Contents About the Author Chapter 1: Introduction Why This Book? Why Now? Contemporary Working Parents The ‘Fatherhood Forfeit Study’ What Is the Fatherhood Forfeit? Structure of the Book Chapter 2: Caregiving Fathers and the ‘Fatherhood Forfeit’ Chapter 3: Parental Gender Stereotyping and ‘Think Child–Think Mum’ Chapter 4: ‘Fathers Obtain Less Workplace Support Than Mothers for Caregiving’ Chapter 5: ‘Social Mistreatment of Caregiving Fathers’ Chapter 6: What Is Next for Caregiving Fathers? Chapter Summary References Chapter 2: Caregiving Fathers and the ‘Fatherhood Forfeit’ Historical Evolution of Work, Society and Parenthood Fatherhood Forfeit Study: Online Vignette Survey ‘Promotability’ ‘Hireability’ ‘Workplace Commitment’ ‘Perceived Competence’ The Fatherhood Forfeit Chapter Summary References Chapter 3: Parental Gender Stereotyping and ‘Think Child–Think Mum’ Gender Stereotyping Gender Stereotyping at Work Fatherhood Forfeit Study: Vignette-Based Focus Groups and Semi-Structured Interviews Coding Process ‘Think Child–Think Mum’ “Where Is Mum?” Unconventionality Chapter Summary References Chapter 4: Fathers Obtain Less Workplace Support Than Mothers for Caregiving Workplace Support for Parents Fatherhood Forfeit Study Data ‘Fathers Obtain Less Workplace Support than Mothers for Caregiving’ ‘Support Is Conditional and Subject to Negotiation for Fathers’ Chapter Summary References Chapter 5: Social Mistreatment of Caregiving Fathers Social and Workplace Mistreatment of Caregiving Fathers Fatherhood Forfeit Study Data ‘Suspicion’ ‘Negative Judgement’ Mockery ‘Struggling with friendships’ ‘Viewed as idle’ Chapter Summary References Chapter 6: What Is Next for Caregiving Fathers? Impact of the Pandemic for Fathers Organisational Actions from the Fatherhood Forfeit Study Organisational Policy and Leave Monitoring Mentoring Organisational Training Fatherhood Forums Government Actions from the Fatherhood Forfeit Study Chapter Summary and Recommendations Limitations and Further Research Key Recommendations for Reducing Fatherhood Forfeits in the Workplace At the Organisational Level At the Government Level References Author Index Subject Index