This project intends to explore the changing roles of men and fathers in a global context. It also intends to explore the social issues (but also tensions) associated with changing male and father identities and with the existing social agendas. The transition from modernity to contemporary modernity (a term used here to create a synthesis of the notions of “second”, “late”, “high”, “new”, or “post” modernity, see for example Lyotard, 1979; Beck, 1992; Beck and Beck-Gernsheim, 1995; Giddens 1990 and 1991; Bauman, 1992; Browning, Halcli, and Webster, 2000; Eisenstadt, 2005; Taylor-Gooby, 2005; Beck and Grande, 2010) has been demarcated by radical transitions—including: globalization, sectoral de-industrialization and the de-standardization and increasing precariousness of labour, along with rising education levels, and recurrent economic and political crises—that have been accompanied by a restructuring of inter-generational relations and the transformation of gender identities and family models. Within this complex context, the number of men willing to question the stereotyped model of masculinity is growing (Ruspini, Hearn, Pease, and Pringle, 2011). Especially younger men are beginning to claim a greater share in bringing up their children (see for example Dermott, 2008; Featherstone, 2009). A growing literature has led awareness of the importance of fathers to the development of their children. (Lamb, 2000; Allen and Daly, 2002; Coltrane, 1996). That role seems to be especially important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds (Burgess, 2005). The impact of technology on marriage, family life, and family diversity is also significant. Technology is probably the feature that has changed the most dramatically since the modern period. Notwithstanding this, there has been a general lack of attention (and a lack of comparative research) to the complex intersection between “old” and “new” forms of masculinity, fatherhood and children’s well being. These cultural challenges should be better theorized within family and social policy research. Such changes should be of interest for a wide range of policy areas which impact on families, women, men, and children. Starting from these premises, the project will focus on the opportunities and challenges (to social/cultural systems and welfare regimes) posed by: 1) the changing forms of fatherhood; 2) lone fatherhood; 3) the impact of migration on fatherhood; 4) the impact of ICT-Information and Communication Technologies on fatherhood models.
Changing Masculinities and Fatherhood in Transition. A Challenge for Global Sociology
CRESPI, ISABELLA;
2014-01-01
Abstract
This project intends to explore the changing roles of men and fathers in a global context. It also intends to explore the social issues (but also tensions) associated with changing male and father identities and with the existing social agendas. The transition from modernity to contemporary modernity (a term used here to create a synthesis of the notions of “second”, “late”, “high”, “new”, or “post” modernity, see for example Lyotard, 1979; Beck, 1992; Beck and Beck-Gernsheim, 1995; Giddens 1990 and 1991; Bauman, 1992; Browning, Halcli, and Webster, 2000; Eisenstadt, 2005; Taylor-Gooby, 2005; Beck and Grande, 2010) has been demarcated by radical transitions—including: globalization, sectoral de-industrialization and the de-standardization and increasing precariousness of labour, along with rising education levels, and recurrent economic and political crises—that have been accompanied by a restructuring of inter-generational relations and the transformation of gender identities and family models. Within this complex context, the number of men willing to question the stereotyped model of masculinity is growing (Ruspini, Hearn, Pease, and Pringle, 2011). Especially younger men are beginning to claim a greater share in bringing up their children (see for example Dermott, 2008; Featherstone, 2009). A growing literature has led awareness of the importance of fathers to the development of their children. (Lamb, 2000; Allen and Daly, 2002; Coltrane, 1996). That role seems to be especially important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds (Burgess, 2005). The impact of technology on marriage, family life, and family diversity is also significant. Technology is probably the feature that has changed the most dramatically since the modern period. Notwithstanding this, there has been a general lack of attention (and a lack of comparative research) to the complex intersection between “old” and “new” forms of masculinity, fatherhood and children’s well being. These cultural challenges should be better theorized within family and social policy research. Such changes should be of interest for a wide range of policy areas which impact on families, women, men, and children. Starting from these premises, the project will focus on the opportunities and challenges (to social/cultural systems and welfare regimes) posed by: 1) the changing forms of fatherhood; 2) lone fatherhood; 3) the impact of migration on fatherhood; 4) the impact of ICT-Information and Communication Technologies on fatherhood models.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
