Based on a longitudinal interview-study of ten heterosexual couples and
first-time parents, in Denmark the author argues that addressing contemporary
everyday family life as a joint venture with contradictions contributes new
insights into the complexities, contradictions, and ambiguities linked to
parents’ daily practices with their child. Previous research has
identified a paradox between the ideal of gender equality on the one hand, and
the differentiated and gender-based division of housework and care on the other.
In this article, however, it is argued that changes are accruing even though
parents still appear to adopt gender-based models when it comes to the
day-to-day care and the distribution of domestic chores. Through empirical
analyses it is demonstrated how the advent of the child becomes a fulcrum, and
also how female and male parents’ expectations, beliefs and practises
are rooted in traditional notions of complementary gender roles as well as in
new understandings of gender equality based on ideals of mutual trust, respect
and support. As a result, it is important to investigate how parenthood, family
life and parental roles are constantly reflected upon and reproduced, negotiated
and transformed through multifaceted and even contradictory strategies.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Article
- Pages 68-87
- DOI 10.1027/1901-2276/a000033
- Authors
- Eva Silberschmidt Viala, Assistant Professor, PhD, Department of Learning, The Danish School
of Education, Aarhus University
- Eva Silberschmidt Viala, Assistant Professor, PhD, Department of Learning, The Danish School
- Journal Nordic Psychology
- Online ISSN 1901-2276
- Print ISSN 1901-2276
- Journal Volume Volume 63
- Journal Issue Volume 63, Number 2 / June 2011