Caring fathers: The ideology of gender equality and masculine positions

Abstract

In this article, we explore Swedish men's relations to fatherhood in general and in particular to the new ideal of the caring and present father. We argue that the image of contemporary hegemonic masculinity is gradually changing. Reforms and informational strategies are used to enhance and create the "new father." In this article, we explore and analyze how four different groups of Swedish men-Christian men, psychotherapists, a male network, and immigrant men-relate to and discuss issues concerning new gender ideals, the modern father, and fathers as important caretakers. These issues are explored through four focus group interviews. The results from the study point toward the influences of factors such as age, social background, and religion. We also see that the ideology of gender equality has a strong general influence on men's ways of relating to and phrasing these issues. © 2008 Sage Publications.