Reconfiguring Identity in Men Who are the Primary Caregivers of Their Daughters and Sons

Abstract

The role distribution in couples in which fathers are the primary caregivers for their children while mothers are the primary breadwinners, typically transgresses traditional gender norms and challenges the identities of men and women. This article presents the results of identity reconfiguration processes in men from seven heterosexual couples with this type of family organization. The results of this qualitative research showed that assuming the role of the primary caregiver of children can result in more equitable and caring identities. The implications of the findings for the development of initiatives to promote these identities are discussed.