ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the role of parenthood ideologies on the micro and meso level as individual determinants to take up parental leave among fathers in Belgium. Belgian parental leave policies are characterized by a ‘laisser faire’ mentality regarding the division of parental leave uptake. Based on in-depth interviews with 20 heterosexual couples our study highlights the impact of norms and values on the individual micro-level and social expectations on a contextual meso-level. We present six ideal-typical categories of fathers’ position towards the uptake of parental leave that is defined by synergies or conflicts between parenthood ideologies on different levels and are ultimately likely to determine the individual decision to take up parental leave. The six positions are empowered parental leave takers, ideological crusaders, ideological renegades, ideological breadwinners, ideological explorers and empowered breadwinners.

摘要

本研究重点关注为人父母意识​​形态在微观和中观层面上的作用，作为比利时父亲休育儿假的个人决定因素。比利时育儿假政策的特点是对育儿假的划分采取“放任自流”的心态。基于对 20 对异性恋夫妇的深入访谈，我们的研究强调了规范和价值观对个人微观层面的影响以及社会期望对上下文中观层面的影响。我们提出了六个理想典型类别的父亲对休育儿假的立场，这些立场由不同层次的育儿意识形态之间的协同作用或冲突来定义，并最终可能决定休育儿假的个人决定。这六个职位是授权的育儿假者、意识形态改革者、