Male gender role conflict among gay fathers who are primary caregivers to their young children: An exploratory study

In the role of primary caregiver, gay fathers are challenging traditional notions of masculinity and fatherhood. They are contending with three often culturally disparate identities in the traditional sense: being gay, being male, and being a primary care-giving father. According to research, many gay men express being comfortable with a nontraditional male identity; however, it is impossible for any man to completely distance himself from the effects of traditional male socialization and expectations.;Male gender role conflict can be considered a pertinent issue for men who take on a primary caregiver role, since the role is a deviation from the traditional role of father as breadwinner. To date, few studies on gay fathers have elaborated on male gender role conflict themes. Male gender role conflict theory addresses the restriction or devaluation associated with conforming to or deviating from traditional male socialization and norms. Additionally, the male Gender Role Conflict Scale assesses the struggle with prescribed masculine gender norms.;This qualitative study investigated male gender role conflict among gay fathers as primary caregivers. Twelve participants were administered the Gender Role Conflict Scale and interviewed. Scale and interview data indicates that the experience of gay male primary caregivers involves the non-traditional coinciding with the traditional. The current results support previous research that suggests traditional male socialization can negatively impact all men regardless of sexual identity. Also it appears that taking on the role of father as a gay primary caregiver might resurface issues with conforming to masculine norms since fatherhood and masculinity are inextricably linked, adding to male gender role conflict. Descriptions and implications of male gender role conflict were discussed, as were implications for further research and practice.