1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«While previous research emphasizes the actions of individual fathers, I focus on the structure of the initial transition to parenthood among heterosexual couples. By comparing how leave-taking fathers versus non-leave-taking fathers experience and understand parenting, I highlight the significance of time off from work during the transition to parenthood for new fathers.» (p. 114-115)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«This article draws on data collected as part of a larger, comparative project examining the influence of social policy on father involvement in parenting in the United States, English Canada, and the French-Canadian province of Quebec. I conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 fathers and 35 of their female partners in Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal.» (p. 115)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«In this article, I have argued that structuring men’s initial experience of parenting in a way similar to how it is often structured for women […] allows men to develop the type of parental responsibility that enables them to be active co-parents. Extended leave challenges the perceived naturalness of women’s superior parenting capabilities by providing men with time to develop a similar sense of parenting through hands-on experience. Being present provides insight into what needs to be done, while extended exposure enables participation and practice. Fathers, then, are able to move from the helper role to that of co-parent.» (p. 126-127) «The leave-taking fathers I’ve described were drawn to paternity leave because of a personal orientation toward shared parenting, but other fathers were more extrinsically motivated to take leave, primarily by policy. Here, the case of Quebec’s leave policy is illustrative of how policy matters. In 2005, the year prior to the introduction of the current plan, 32 percent of Quebec fathers took leave (Marshall 2008). In 2011, just six years later, 76 percent took leave (Findlay and Kohen 2012). This dramatic rise in the number of fathers taking leave coincides with the introduction of Quebec’s new parental leave plan.» (p. 119)