Beyond Progressive? Futures of Fatherhood Research in Europe

This chapter summarises the main themes of the research in the book, but also looks ahead and discusses possible developments in men's parenting and fatherhood research in Europe. The chapter highlights how fathering is often discussed and judged in terms of how progressive it is, or how lacking in progress it has been, and this creates analytical limitations on how we understand the experiences and practices of contemporary fathers. The chapter argues that a focus on everyday family life provides a richer understanding of caring masculinities, men’s experiences of fathering and the ongoing cultural reconfigurations of fatherhood. Based on the empirical findings reported in the book, the chapter discusses how the movement towards a stronger link between care, togetherness and men's parenting practices continues to evolve and that this process must be understood in the context of broader political and social changes in the European welfare states.