Covid as a catalyst? Exploring gendered parenthood and work-family development through the pandemic
Author
Summary, in English
This thesis explored gendered parenthood and parents’ experiences of their work- family interface through the COVID-19 pandemic. This thesis draws on decades of analysis of gendered labor division, father involvement, and the work-family interface to understand developments and tensions before the pandemic. It then positions the pandemic as a global ‘developmental event’ due to the restrictions imposed to contain the virus, that in turn overhauled family and work domains. This thesis contributes original empirical material regarding parents’ experiences of their work-family interface during and since the pandemic. The topic is approached primarily from a psychological standpoint, focusing on individuals’ meaning making and psychological needs, however this thesis also draws on discussions from multiple fields, including sociology, gender studies, and human resources.
Paper 1 examined the experiences and mental health outcomes of parents in the antenatal (pre-birth) period in Sweden, using measurements of depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy (N=378). Many participants (n=212) provided qualitative open-ended survey responses which were analyzed using Content Analysis, leading to three categories of Isolation, Concerns of Exclusion and Positives. The categories were then transformed into quantitative variables and analyzed with the standardized measures of mental health. Results indicated that Isolation and Positives were significantly related to depression and anxiety and that Concerns of Exclusion were significantly related to parents’ self-efficacy.
Paper 2 explored mothers’ experiences in three countries (Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States) using qualitative open-ended survey responses from 193 mothers of children aged 0-18 years. Using reflexive Thematic Analysis, we generated four major themes of COVID-related stress, Support deficit, Improved family interactions, and Contented mindset: Taking stock. Core findings were that both challenges in support and positives of spending more time together were reported across the three countries.
Paper 3 focused on fathers’ experiences in Sweden before, during, and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight fathers, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to generate three themes: Fatherhood as protected and restrained before and during COVID, COVID as an opportunity for introspection and COVID as an opportunity for better balance. Core insights were the importance of remote work flexibility for managing work-family life, and the role of social interaction in the workplace.
This thesis contributes three core messages focusing on the consequences of excluding fathers during the transition to parenthood, the overburdening of mothers, and the potential for transformation of the work-family interface through the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paper 1 examined the experiences and mental health outcomes of parents in the antenatal (pre-birth) period in Sweden, using measurements of depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy (N=378). Many participants (n=212) provided qualitative open-ended survey responses which were analyzed using Content Analysis, leading to three categories of Isolation, Concerns of Exclusion and Positives. The categories were then transformed into quantitative variables and analyzed with the standardized measures of mental health. Results indicated that Isolation and Positives were significantly related to depression and anxiety and that Concerns of Exclusion were significantly related to parents’ self-efficacy.
Paper 2 explored mothers’ experiences in three countries (Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States) using qualitative open-ended survey responses from 193 mothers of children aged 0-18 years. Using reflexive Thematic Analysis, we generated four major themes of COVID-related stress, Support deficit, Improved family interactions, and Contented mindset: Taking stock. Core findings were that both challenges in support and positives of spending more time together were reported across the three countries.
Paper 3 focused on fathers’ experiences in Sweden before, during, and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight fathers, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to generate three themes: Fatherhood as protected and restrained before and during COVID, COVID as an opportunity for introspection and COVID as an opportunity for better balance. Core insights were the importance of remote work flexibility for managing work-family life, and the role of social interaction in the workplace.
This thesis contributes three core messages focusing on the consequences of excluding fathers during the transition to parenthood, the overburdening of mothers, and the potential for transformation of the work-family interface through the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department/s
Publishing year
2024-08
Language
English
Full text
Document type
Dissertation
Publisher
Lund University
Topic
- Psychology (excluding Applied Psychology)
Keywords
- COVID-19
- Gendered Parenthood
- Work-Family Interface
- Qualitative
- Mixed-methods
- Family
- Parenthood
- Gender
Status
Published
Project
- Föräldrars upplevelser av konflikter och berikande mellan familjeliv och arbetsliv: En undersökning av hur gränssnittet mellan familj och arbete beskrivs under och efter covid-19-pandemin
- EVIDENCE over CONVICTION: Young children's DEVELOPMENTof EMOTIONAL SECURITY and ADJUSTMENT when they grow up in JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY with SHARED RESIDENCE (växelvis boende)
Supervisor
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISBN: 978-91-8104-125-5
- ISBN: 978-91-8104-126-2
Defence date
24 September 2024
Defence time
13:15
Defence place
Socialhögskolans hörsal (Sh128) Allhelgona kyrkogata 8, Lund
Opponent
- Mina Beigi (Professor)