2002/03/01 by Martin P. Johnson
Social Sciences · #Gender Roles and Identity Studies #Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving #Work-Family Balance Challenges
paper · doi:10.3149/jms.1002.165
openalex publication_date 2002/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Over the last three decades, in the UK, there has been a marked increase in the number of men accompanying their partners in hospital labour wards at the birth of their child. This study discusses the findings of a survey of a cohort of 53 such men following the delivery of their child and explores the experience of a sub-sample of 20 of these men through face-to-face interviews. The response of these males is examined in relation to a number of appropriate “roles” at attendance, i.e., “teammate,” “witness,” and “coach.” Overall, the majority of men reported a positive and emotionally uplifting experience, but a number of negative aspects were also identified. Several men were unable to clearly identify a defined role or functional purpose in their attendance. Further there is considerable confusion as to who is responsible for the decision for their attendance. The study highlights there are some negative aspects to men attending their child's birth, but these are related to under-preparedness and obligatory role adoption that possibility may conflict with men's own reasons for attending the birth.