by Julie Dlasková

Praha 2007

Abstract

This thesis examines the responsibilities and roles of fathers who practise a shared care arrangement in order to get a better understanding of how traditionally perceived women’s and men’s tasks are divided between the father and the mother after separation. Special emphasis is given to gender equality in responsibilities and roles traditionally ascribed to women and men, to decide in which aspects, fathers who practice shared care can be seen as ‘new fathers’. Previous research projects on fatherhood have indicated that in two-parent families it is typically the mother who takes the major responsibility for private sphere duties such as nurturing or domestic labour, while the father’s role lies in providing and financial support (Cohen 1993) (Ranson 2001) (Segal 1990). For this reason the actual existence of the ‘new father’ in society has been doubted.

In-depth interviews conducted in New Zealand with fathers who were in a shared care situation showed that their responsibilities and roles changed after separation and became equalized between both parents. New circumstances, a gender equal attitude and a wish to be a part of the children’s lives made the fathers become responsible for nurturing aspects of parenting and day-to-day care. This thesis suggests that study of ‘non-traditional’ family arrangements where ‘conditions’ have changed challenge the current scepticism of the ‘new father’ and brings new perspectives to the discussion about changes in gender division of roles and responsibilities within the family.

New Fathers and Shared Parenting

Research into the leisure needs of men in Hei Hei, Christchurch conducted with funding by the Christchurch City Council.

Hei Hei Men’s Research Report (Full Text PDF, 767Kb)

by Warren Mason

Abstract

This research project presents a new paradigm for men who work tirelessly to maintain adult relationships, often only to see them eventually breakdown because of circumstances that they unwittingly experienced during childhood. The project considers how early childhood challenges can affect close relationships as adult men. It will identify the effects and present them in a bio-psychosocial framework. Also, the project will suggest that change and modification of early childhood experience is possible, changes occurring through a suggested safe eclectic counselling model, thereby offering these men freedom from relationship challenges. Finally it will consider the ethical and Christian perspectives of counselling, from a New Zealand viewpoint.

Overcoming Relationship Challenges for Males (Full Text PDF, 767Kb)

The following reports present the results of a 3-year project commissioned by the Public Health Service, Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board. The research was carried out in collaboration with the School of Health and Social Sciences, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.  The 3-year project involved 3 separate but aligned studies.

1. Including Dads in our service

2. Real Dads – Real Men

3. Dads: Part of the team or warming the bench?

The following paper challenges the tendency of research to ignore issues related to the study of men and particularly men as parents. An argument is also presented for including men in studies of parenting and use of family services.

Researching with Men: Ideas and Strategies for Doing Better