This master thesis aims to answer the research question on how men describe juggling parenthood and career. We were also interested in how the participants describe themselves in a parental versus a professional capacity. The topic is interesting due to the social-demographic, economic, cultural, and historical changes. For the most part, we were drawn to the research by the “new fatherhood” phenomenon, as well as heavily entrenched gender stereotypes. While researching, we used the topical analysis method to gain insight via interviews into how working men juggle parenthood and professional career.
The results show that men who devote a lot of time to their children in early childhood, are more stressed when it comes to coordinating their parental and professional duties. Additionally, working fathers want to be included in caring for their child, as well as in performing household chores. At the same time, they have their own professional ambitions to have a successful career. They want to be responsible and engaged in both roles. As per the results, most participants deem their role as a father a greater challenge than their professional career, for which they also describe themselves as more competent and more satisfied. An important support factor in coordinating the two roles is the partner, who carries most of the household organization responsibilities, and grandparents, who are involved where necessary. The interviewed fathers listed suggestions regarding social and family politics (better accessibility of apartments and kindergartens, etc.) in order to improve the conditions for working fathers. There were also suggestions regarding business organization (flexible working hours, remote work, unconcern on the part of employers when workers take sick leave to care for their children, etc.). Juggling both roles has changed the lives of the participants. It also causes, at least to some extent, stress and time shortage.
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