(GI-14/6) Cognición social y procesos sociopolíticos y culturales
Abstract
Based on three discussion groups conducted in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville in 2016 and on recent
statistical data, this paper explores the barriers and possibilities that involved fathers encounter at
their workplaces when they enter parenthood. Involved fathers are defined as those who adapt their
working time, work schedule or workplace to parenting, or those who have a job that allows for
work-life balance. In addition, they form dual-earner couples with a full-time working partner and
spend at least two hours at weekdays caring for their children. Fathers from public sector
enterprises, medium to large private companies and small businesses participated in one discussion
group respectively.
This qualitative and quantitative analysis shows that working in tight shifts (mornings mainly), as
well as schedule flexibility, telework and paid paternity leaves are the measures mostly used by the
interviewed fathers, and by Spanish fathers in general. In addition, the use of schedule flexibility
and telework display very low gender gaps in contrast to opting for unpaid and transferable leaves
or the use of statutory entitlement to reduced workhours. Under certain circumstances supervisors
and coworkers attitudes are described as hostile to the adoption of support measures. Some clear
policy recommendations arise from this study, should the aim be to foster work-life balance for
fathers and mothers but without having unintended consequences on gender inequality.2017-1
