“After Months of It, You Just Want to Punch Someone in the Face”: Stay-at-Home Fathers and Masculine Identities

Abstract

A new definition of fatherhood has emerged that prescribes more hands-on involvement from fathers, particularly with small children. In addition to this new approach to fathering, there is a small but growing number of stay-at-home fathers. Scholars know little about stay-at-home fathers in the U.S. as the majority of research has been conducted in other countries. As being a stay-at-home father is a deviation from an important tenant of hegemonic masculinity, one of breadwinning, what are the gender-related challenges these men face because of their roles? How do stay-at-home fathers respond to these challenges? I explore these questions in my study through in-depth interviews with stay-at-home fathers from across the United States. My study shows that a new definition of masculinity is emerging to support such men's engagement in family life.