Abstract
This chapter examines fatherhood, suggesting that the model of ‘intensive mothering’ is being extended to men. It argues that men provide a useful case study in the ‘expertise’ culture around parenting because they are not considered to have a ‘natural’ foundation for parenting. In doing so, it draws on earlier work around risk consciousness and authority to look at how traditional ideas of paternity are being increasingly ‘fragmented’, with a focus on the threat to men’s mental health and the need for support in making the transition to parenthood. It explores the gap between the model of the ‘new father’ promoted by experts and policymakers and the experiences of fathers themselves, drawing attention to the effect of these shifts on couple relationships.
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Faircloth, C. (2023). Intensive Fatherhood? The (Un)involved Dad. In: Parenting Culture Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44156-1_9
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