EUU Report Highlights Crucial Role of Social Competence in Modern Fatherhood

Montreux, 03 Sep 2023

 

In an era marked by advancing gender equality, the role of fathers in society has evolved significantly. However, the development of family policies and support systems for fathers has not kept pace with these changes. A new report from the EUU, authored by two economists, sheds light on the growing importance of social competence in shaping the likelihood of becoming a father.

 

Changing Expectations of the Modern Father

 

Today's ideal father is characterized by active engagement in childcare, effective parenting skills, and financial stability. Anne Boschini, Professor of Economics at the Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI) at Stockholm University, and Lina Aldén, Associate Professor of Economics at Linnaeus University, underscore these evolving criteria in their report titled "The Modern Father – Changing Preconditions for Fatherhood."

 

The study highlights the enhanced parenting skills of contemporary fathers compared to previous generations. This shift is attributed to the modern concept of fatherhood, which emphasizes active caregiving. Additionally, women's increased economic independence has led to a preference for partners with strong parenting abilities. Conversely, men with lower parenting skills are increasingly opting not to become fathers.

The Role of Social Competence

 

One key revelation of the study is the growing significance of men's social competence in determining their likelihood of becoming fathers. This trend is observed across income levels and regardless of whether men have partners. Interestingly, the report indicates that fathers who abstain from taking parental leave days during the child's first two years are often low-income earners, earning less than the child's mother.

 

Notably, the economic factor appears to hold less sway over mothers' and fathers' decisions regarding parental leave. This paradox puzzles researchers as fathers with lower household incomes frequently forego their allotted parental leave days. The findings suggest that traditional gender norms not only influence fathers but are also shaped by mothers' attitudes.

 

Benefits of Early Fatherhood Involvement

 

Aldén and Boschini stress that men who engage in early caregiving responsibilities develop parenting skills and a sense of responsibility, strengthening their roles as active parents. Despite increasing numbers of fathers taking parental leave, a considerable proportion still utilize less than the three months reserved for them. Approximately one in six fathers does not take a single parental leave day before the child reaches two years of age. Meanwhile, mothers continue to take longer parental leave, resulting in lower income and subsequently reduced pensions for women.

 

Recommendations for Positive Change
 

The report underscores the pressing need for initiatives to encourage men to assume caregiving responsibilities early in their children's lives. One proposed measure involves expanding parental support with dedicated groups for fathers during the early years to bolster their caregiving roles.

 

In the long run, the economists advocate for measures aimed at enhancing social skills among young boys in elementary school. This can lead to higher income levels and increased appeal as fathers later in life, potentially mitigating socioeconomic disparities among men.

 

The report concludes with a call for policymakers to take the next steps in advancing parental insurance and support for fathers. Such measures are not only beneficial for individual men but also in the broader interest of society, ensuring that more men acquire the skills demanded in the job market.

 

Key Report Findings:

- Men's social competence increasingly influences their likelihood of becoming fathers.

- Proficiency in parenting skills enhances the chances of fatherhood.

- Societal risk of polarization between men with favorable conditions and those facing economic challenges in starting families.

- Fathers not taking parental leave days often have lower incomes than the child's mother.

- Fathers who abstain from parental leave often belong to households with traditional gender norms.
 

Conclusions and Recommendations:

- Foster the development of social skills in young boys in elementary school to promote higher income and increased attractiveness as fathers.

- Implement measures that enhance employment, educational outcomes, and poverty reduction to improve men's conditions for taking parental leave.

- Expand parental support with targeted initiatives for fathers during early caregiving years.

- Consider introducing a cap on when reserved parental leave days can be taken, such as before the child reaches two years of age.

- Mandatory measures, like reserving half of parental leave days for each parent, may be required to shift societal expectations and promote equal caregiving responsibilities, fostering economic equality.