Farm Fathers and Their Fathers: Flexible Work and Cultural Change

Abstract

This chapter applies an intergenerational perspective to the study of change and continuity in fathering practices by dealing with the work–family interface of two generations of farm fathers in Norway. Agriculture in Norway, as in many other countries, is typically organized as a family business characterized by the colocation of work and home and flexible working hours. Surprisingly little research, however, has explored how this structural organization of home and work affects farm fathers and their engagement with children. One conception is that farmers are present and available to their children during the working day and that they are involved in a way that is not possible in families that have to relate to the restraints of separate work spheres. Another suggestion is that colocation of home and work represents a barrier for fathers that might make it difficult to escape the pressures of work. Being at home they are constantly reminded of work waiting to be done.