Final answer:
Stay-at-home fathers may feel a loss of masculinity due to societal gender norms, but paternity leave policies in places like Sweden help normalize paternal caregiving as masculine. Different cultures show that masculinity can be flexible, with some societies having highly affectionate and involved fathers. In the U.S., traditional gender roles are still prevalent, which can influence how fathers perceive their masculinity and caregiving roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stay-at-home fathers may feel as though they have lost a part of their masculinity due to societal expectations and gender norms that traditionally see the role of primary caregiver as feminine. In countries like Sweden, paternity leave policies and societal acceptance have shifted these norms, allowing fathers to embrace caregiving as a part of their masculine identity.
Swedish stay-at-home dads feel that caring for their children is a "real fatherly thing to do" and very masculine, illustrating a societal shift towards more flexible gender roles.
In contrast, U.S. policies are less supportive of paternal caregiving roles, and fathers are often socialized to perform specific versions of fatherhood that align with traditional notions of masculinity. Fathers in different cultures, such as the Aka of central Africa, have been found to be affectionate and involved in the care of their children, challenging the idea that men are inherently less capable of nurturing behavior.
In the United States, parents may inadvertently set gender roles that reinforce traditional masculinity and femininity, with fathers holding stronger expectations for gender conformity, especially for sons. This reflects the concept that masculinity is often constructed through societal norms and expectations, which can be different based on race, ethnicity, and social class.