Why does true gender equality in the workplace often remain an unattainable goal? A new study reveals that deeply ingrained ideas about motherhood and fatherhood significantly influence family roles, ultimately disadvantaging women in their careers.

Associate Professor Dr. Lindsay Howe from the University of Liechtenstein, along with researchers from the University of Cardiff and the Institute for Voluntary Action Research, examined how entrenched gender roles shape everyday life for families in South Africa – with surprising findings.

The study, based on focus groups, ethnographic research, and innovative data collection using "Volunteered Geographic Information" (VGI), found that many people – regardless of gender – still perceive fathers primarily as "breadwinners." As a result, many fathers fulfill their parenting duties only in brief moments between professional obligations. The researchers call this phenomenon "parenthetical parenting," which further reinforces existing inequalities.

What makes this particularly concerning is that the gap between ideal and reality affects families across all social classes. While many fathers aspire to take a more active role in parenting, societal and economic structures often prevent them from doing so. At the same time, the bulk of caregiving responsibilities still falls on mothers – with far-reaching consequences for their professional development.

Published in the renowned journal The Professional Geographer, this study builds on previous research by the authors. In a Time Magazine article (https://time.com/6249410/secret-tax-women-time/), they explored the hidden costs women bear due to caregiving responsibilities. The new findings now highlight that the issue is not just about mothers but also the challenges faced by fathers who wish to be more involved.

One thing is clear: As long as these traditional gender roles persist, true equality will remain elusive. However, the study’s insights could pave the way for a fairer distribution of work and caregiving responsibilities.

More about the study: https://www.uni.li/de/forschung/forschungsaktivitaeten/veroeffentlichungen/publikationen/@@publication_detail/9837.67