Laboring for relevance: expectant and new fatherhood

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Paternal roles are evolving beyond traditional breadwinner expectations.
• Limited research exists on the lived experiences of expectant and new fathers.
• Societal and familial recognition significantly impacts paternal identity development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the multifaceted experience of expectant and new fatherhood.
• To explore the challenges fathers face in establishing their parental identity.
• To identify factors influencing the transition to involved fatherhood.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Data were collected from 56 expectant and new fathers.
• Constant comparative analysis guided data interpretation.

Main Results:

• The core experience is 'laboring for relevance,' involving grappling with reality, struggling for recognition, and role-making.
• Fathers often perceived as helpmates or breadwinners, not parents, impacting validation.
• Exclusion from the childbearing experience by partners, providers, and society was common.
• Lack of role models hindered the adoption of active, involved parenting.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the male experience of new parenthood is crucial.
• Societal and systemic factors impede paternal validation and involvement.
• Interventions are needed to support fathers in developing engaged paternal behaviors.