ABSTRACT
Hegemonic masculinity theory suggests that unemployment undermines fathers’ social identity and well-being, given the association between masculinity, paid employment, and breadwinning. This systematic review of 74 studies published between 1980 and 2024 examined six domains on the effects of paternal unemployment: psychological and physical well-being, children’s academic and cognitive outcomes, fertility, parental involvement and caregiving, gender roles, and cultural adaptation. Almost 40% of the studies used longitudinal designs, providing stronger evidence about how unemployment influences family dynamics over time. Findings indicate that masculinities, cultural context, and immigration status shape how unemployed fathers interpret and respond to job loss, affecting caregiving and family roles. The most marked adverse effects were on psychological well-being and parenting, particularly among immigrant fathers, although unemployment sometimes increased their involvement. We found that 90% of studies were conducted in the Global North, limiting generalizability and underscoring the need for research that addresses structural and social barriers in non-Western populations.