1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«This paper focuses on Canadian fathers as “subjects of social policy” [...]. Policies such as maternity, paternity and parental leave arrangements, employment standards, childcare provisions and cash and in-kind supports to families are revealing of a state’s expressed ideology with respect to families and the expected roles of fathers.» (p. i)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Les auteurs utilisent des données documentaires diverses.

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

According to the authors, «Canadian social policy has done little to encourage fathering models other than “father as breadwinner.” Gender neutrality, as has been pointed out by numerous feminist theorists, perpetuates the status quo. Thus, the state is only very minimally engaged in developing the capacity of Canadian men to care for their young children. In fact, more broadly, the state has developed only limited and piecemeal policies that support caring labour. Men balancing a breadwinner role with a more active caregiver role have the opportunity to model a different notion of citizen that extends beyond the labour force to include the nurture and care of future generations. With these changes in men’s roles come corresponding changes in women’s roles, facilitating perhaps more balance between the private and the public spheres, with men and women able to negotiate equitably their place in each. In a Canadian context, Québec’s family policy provisions offer a model which, while not new to some of the E.U. nations, offers a challenge nationally and to the other Canadian provinces: to address and prioritize the needs of families amidst the work/family balance crisis and actively and specifically to encourage fathers to be engaged carers. If we shift from our present policy conservatism, changes of the type discussed here and in the accompanying policy recommendations will be likely to have long-term consequences as they model new social roles.» (p. 22)
Note : Ce rapport contient plusieurs données sur le Québec.