Fathers in duty: more flexible maternity models for new masculinity!

Fathers in duty: more flexible maternity models for new masculinity!

Before the upcoming Father's Day on Sunday, an artistic campaign is in the foreground that aims to sharpen the awareness of the participation in fathers in childcare and maternity leave. The "Caring Men" initiative brings male statues with baby dolls as a symbol for alternative masculinity images to Austria. Erich Lehner, chairman of the umbrella organization of men's work in Austria, emphasizes that more flexible working conditions for fathers are imperative to promote their commitment to concern. He points out that according to the Chamber of Labor in 2021, only 17 % of people in childhood were men - a decline compared to 21 % in 2017.

The presentation of the dolls in Salzburg Castle Mirabell should remain until Father's Day. Initiatives such as "Caring Economy now" under the direction of Elisabeth Sechser demand better models to encourage fathers to take on more responsibility in the care work. There is a widespread resistance, especially from the world of work, in which women are often seen as "variable" and men as "stable elements".

cultural change and new parent models required

the regulation that has been in force since November 2023, according to which full maternity leave is only granted if the second parent takes at least two months, could initiate a cultural change. Lehner is in favor of a “use it or loose it” model for the maternity leave. A survey has shown that many men want to take on more care work, which is supported by studies that show that equal parenting lowers the risk of violence for children.

The positive impact of care on the health and quality of life The fathers is increasingly recognized, with the unequal division of care work also bringing significant financial disadvantages for women. Mothers earn an average of 960,000 euros less than fathers over their lifetime. This discrepancy is also to be considered in the context of the Gender Care GAP, which was 52.4 % in Germany in 2017. Men do an average of 87 minutes less care work every day than women.

required support and changed perspectives

The discussion about care work is closely linked to the gender relationships. Initiatives such as Men-Engage and Male Feminists Europe ask men to get more active in care work. According to Critical Masculinities Research, values ​​such as care, responsibility and empathy are central components of "caring masculinities". The challenges that show up in this debate require the reduction of traditional sexual forms and promoting a new perspective on masculinity.

men who take on care work can not only improve their own quality of life, but also play a role as role models for future generations. Studies show that gender -friendly models lead to greater satisfaction and less stress and that the visibility of gender diversity is decisive in order to reduce restrictive gender.

For more information about the background of these developments and their effects on gender equality, you can use the articles on vienna.at bpb.de and Bundesstiftung-Abenung.de Read.