"I'm Just Providing for My Family": A Qualitative Study of Stay-at-Home Fathers

Using grounded theory, the current study explored the lives, decision-making processes, and support systems of 14 full-time stay-at-home fathers (SAHFs). A range of influences guiding the decision to become a SAHF was described with men expressing high satisfaction with their new roles. Reactions from others were mixed with the most supportive and understanding responses being provided by friends and family. Fathers acknowledged stigma toward their roles but reported being generally unaffected by these attitudes and nonsupportive reactions. Finally, SAHFs discussed masculinity and gender roles in flexible and self-defined terms, apparently aware of, but not particularly influenced by, stereotypes and gender-norms. These, and other identified themes, are discussed within the context of the parenting and masculinity literature.