Sacrifice for the family: representation and practice of stay-at-home fathers in the intersection of masculinity and class in Hong Kong

Hegemonic masculinity versus a caring masculinity: Implications for understanding primary caregiving fathers

“…Research has also demonstrated that class plays an important role in how men view their primary caregiving role. For example, working‐class fathers in Hong Kong have been reported as more likely to take on the role more permanently, and to view their identity as a caregiver, compared to middle‐to‐upper class fathers (Liong, ). This can be explained through recourse to the idea that middle‐to‐upper class fathers are awarded significant power and status due to their socially valued paid work.…”

“…Research that has explored representations of primary caregiving fathers within Hong Kong newspapers, for example, has found that they are portrayed as remaining connected to the public sphere (Liong, 2015). If primary caregiving fathers are unable to maintain links to work (either paid or unpaid), research suggests that they engage in training and education in order to ensure and prepare for their return to work (Brandth & Kvande, 1998;Grbich, 1992;Latshaw, 2011).…”

“…In this regard, research indicates that primary caregiving fathers commonly remain tied to paid work, replace paid work with unpaid work, or become involved in community work, so they can remain connected to their “provider” identity, thus asserting to others and reassuring themselves that they are still men (Burkstrand‐Reid, ; Doucet, ; Doucet & Merla, ; Grbich, ; Latshaw, ; Medved, ). Research that has explored representations of primary caregiving fathers within Hong Kong newspapers, for example, has found that they are portrayed as remaining connected to the public sphere (Liong, ). If primary caregiving fathers are unable to maintain links to work (either paid or unpaid), research suggests that they engage in training and education in order to ensure and prepare for their return to work (Brandth & Kvande, ; Grbich, ; Latshaw, ).…”

Being a Stay-at-Home Dad (SAHD): Implication for the Mental Health Profession

“…To compensate for the loss, many SAHDs engaged in activities that reaffirmed their masculinity, such as completing masculine tasks around the house or working in the community for part-time pay (Solomon, 2014). Such actions can align with the concept of hegemonic masculinity, which supports the concept of male dominance through economic supremacy, physical power, and rejection of all things feminine (Connell, 1995; Liong, 2017). These continued stereotypes and issues can have significant negative impacts on how the masculine self is developed and maintained in the context of gendered expectations for caregiving and providing for families (Medved, 2009; Rushing & Powell, 2015).…”

“…The corresponding shift in the traditional male gender role from breadwinner to caregiver has resulted in a variety of social, family, and individual issues for SAHDs (Chesley, 2011; Latshaw & Hale, 2016; Liong, 2017; Rochlen et al, 2010; Solomon, 2014). SAHDs experience struggles associated with encountering prejudice and backlash from other adults, being seen as less competent caretakers, lacking social support, and navigating negative stereotypes of the role (Fisher & Anderson, 2012; Heppner & Heppner, 2009; Renshaw, 2005; Rochlen et al, 2010; Sinno & Killen, 2009).…”