Caregiving Fathers in the Workplace

This book explores the experiences of caregiving fathers in the UK. Conceptionsof fatherhood, childcare, and work have altered over the last few decades, withmany fathers taking a more active role in caregiving than before and seeking toalter their working patterns accordingly. However, such a wider involvement incaregiving for fathers can clash with traditional values about masculinity andwork, which still hold sway over public opinion and workplace policies. Using quantitative and qualitative data, collected through the use of surveys,focus groups and semi-structured interviews with managers and working parents,the book explores perceptions and experiences of fathers who amend theirworking patterns due to caregiving responsibilities. It highlights the specificchallenges faced by caregiving fathers when they attempt to take an active rolein the parenting of their children which is identified as the 'fatherhood forfeit'. This impactful new book proposes actions to address such mistreatment andimprove equality in the workplace, which includes changes to policy, increases intraining and the importance of workplace role modelling. It will be of interest toacademics studying human resource management, gender, masculinity,organisational studies, and the home-life balance, as well as policymakers.