Not Mr. Mom: Navigating Discourses for Stay-at-Home Fathers

Abstract

This study examines the ways men who identify as stay-at-home fathers in the United States ( N = 40) both resist and comply with traditional expectations of masculinities. Through the use of qualitative, in-depth interviews and analysis using grounded theory, participants discuss their desires to change gendered expectations around caregiving while continuing to partake in some of the power and privilege associated with masculinities. Associated contradictions are analyzed through participants’ discussions of the use of feminine terms such as “Mr. Mom” or babysitting, participating in mother-only spaces, and gendered expectations of caregiving. Actions of these stay-at-home fathers simultaneously challenge and affirm aspects of hegemonic masculinities. Although by staying home, in some ways, these stay-at-home fathers continue to challenge traditional gender expectations around caregiving, in many ways, they continue to benefit and affirm the power and privilege associated with masculinities.