I Don't Babysit’
Stay‐at‐Home Dads' Perspectives and Experiences Within Australian Society
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11228548 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Elyse Manie (The School of Health and Social Development Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia), Patricia Taylor (0000-0002-4419-5511, The School of Health and Social Development Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia), Hayley Mckenzie (0000-0002-9871-3740, The School of Health and Social Development Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia), Norma Barrett (0000-0002-9297-8975, The School of Health and Social Development Deakin University Warrnambool Campus Victoria Australia, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-08 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Australian Journal of Social Issues (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0157-6321 • E-ISSN: 1839-4655 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/ajs4.70039 |
| OpenAlex | W4412106946 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 42 |
Stay‐at‐home‐dads are an emerging group in Australia, impacted by societal assumptions and expectations. However, there is a scarcity of research on the perspectives and experiences of fathers assuming stay‐at‐home dad roles within Australian society. Using descriptive phenomenology, semi‐structured virtual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 stay‐at‐home‐dads across Australia. Inductive thematic analysis identified two themes: (i) navigating gendered expectations and social discomfort, and (ii) feeling authentic in the parenting role. The findings revealed the diversity of stay‐at‐home‐dads' perceptions and experiences. Stay‐at‐home‐dads perceive gendered caregiving expectations and experience social discomfort from others regarding their role. This can influence their sense of role authenticity and masculinity. To overcome such assumptions, factors such as support systems and networks for stay‐at‐home‐dads can improve their sense of authenticity and masculine identity. Further, the findings indicate that providing spaces and services that are inclusive of non‐normative family structures will support stay‐at‐home‐dads and work towards challenging gendered caregiving assumptions
Media studies · Political science · Project commissioning · Publishing · Sociology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Law · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics
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The Double Standard of Praise and Criticism for Mothers and Fathers
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Caring Masculinities
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |