Work

Stay-At-Home Fathers and the Everyday Remaking of Manhood in Extended Family Contexts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach and guided by caring masculinity theory, this study examines the experiences of stay-at-home fathers (SAHFs) within the extended families of Pakistan. Results from this study show that SAHFs not only face societal backlash and stigmatization, but their non-normative roles were viewed as violating the family’s code of honor , a set of unspoken but widely understood norms and expectations governing the behavior of family members. They navigated their challenged masculine identities in three distinct ways, influenced by a myriad of factors, including duration in the SAHF role, social class, and educational background. Support from extended family members served as a buffer against societal stigma and criticism, playing a key role in facilitating acceptance and adaptation to the SAHF role. This highlights the transformative power of a supportive network in challenging and potentially transforming societal norms.

Source: The Journal of Men s Studies

DOI: 10.1177/10608265251350284

Author: Rahat Shah

Institution: Goethe University Frankfurt

Language: English

Topic: Gender Roles and Identity Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400