PaternidadeS: pais em transformação

Abstract

This study is intended to add to the debate of the persistence of gender role imbalances, focussing on the possibility of increasing the presence of the father in domestic chores and caring for the children, aiming for more balanced mother-father relationships and enhanced partnerships. Qualitative research was the selected method for this study, in which 28 heterosexual fathers in stable relationships were interviewed. All of them with pre-school-aged children enrolled in private and public schools, which provides for more diversity in social and economic levels. Among the most relevant results found, was the concurrence of colloquial arrangements and interactions of the parents. Both parents being employed and both sharing parenting tasks where fatherhood can be manifested in various manners. These arrangements reflect cooperation, conflict and agreements. They may also vary depending on life circumstances such as unemployment. In order to attest the distinctiveness of the variations previously mentioned, interviewed fathers were grouped in unfixed profiles/archetypes adding to the comprehension of the dynamic behaviours of fatherhood. Following this unconventional trend, new structures, such as external support in the form of family help, principally from grandmothers, extra income to hire nannies, paternity leave, and for low income families full time schools, have arisen. Similarly, flexible work hours, self employed or entrepreneurial parents, as well as accommodating employers are suggestive of increasingly attentive and present fathers.