How fathers’ values matter for work–family decisions and partner support: a capability approach

Abstract

This qualitative study identified the values of 26 Dutch dual-earner fathers underlying their actual division of paid and unpaid work, and the role work decisions favoring their family, referred to as Family Relatedness of Work Decisions (FRWD), and received partner support played in realizing these values. We used the capability approach as theoretical framework to compare individuals on the kind of lives they value, and what constrains or enables them herein. Results showed different patterns in what is valued related to fathers’ paid workhours. Work-oriented fathers primarily valued income provision and received substantial partner support in caregiving and housework. Work–family fathers valued gender-equality in the division of labor with support from their partners both in earning and caregiving. Family–work fathers’ lack of substantially paid work hampered them in realizing their valued equal division of labor. Our results illustrated that fathers’ values shaped their time-allocation in paid and unpaid work, in synergy with FRWD and received partner support. Moreover, FRWD were more closely related to fathers’ values than to their employment type. We conclude that partner support needs to be incorporated into the FRWD framework.