PhD Student in UCD School of Sociology, Thesis topic: Transitions towards Equality: A Sociological Analysis of Contemporary Fatherhood;
Description: Fatherhood is the most commonly shared experience of adult men, yet fathers’ role in families, is often neglected in the literature. In the midst of rapid transformative social change in family structures, my interest resides in exploring the nature and extent of father ‘involvement’ with their children, and to map these findings in terms of movement towards gender equality. Gender specific parenting models contribute significantly to gender inequality in society. My aim is to critically examine the structures and practices of ‘involved’ fatherhood, as they pertain to ‘undoing’ gender, embracing beliefs and behaviours that reduce gender difference in families.